Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matt. 6:31-34 ESV)
I just noticed something about myself. I don’t worry as much about how well I will love in the future, as much as I worry about how well I will perform. After I agreed to preach the Baccalaureate message last week, a feeling of dread would come over me every time it came to mind. Would my medication work when and the way it was supposed to? Would I be able to speak coherently, without distractions from my body? I had a small anxiety incident this morning as I thought of a long drive we will be making in June. However, I cannot think of a time when I worried about how well I would love like Jesus at some future date. Unfortunately, I believe that says a lot about my agenda—I am more concerned about performing than loving. Even though the performance may include kingdom matters, it is not the same as seeking the kingdom. Seeking the kingdom is loving as Christ loves at this moment, depending upon His power. Anxiety about the ability to perform in the future, drains the energy to love in the present.