The Fear that Drives Franticness

Recently I was listening to a podcast by Dr. Robert Newton, Faith For Today, specifically "Scattered Like Seed."   He was discussing his first missionary experience in the Philippines.  It is very apropos for most of us today.

Dr. Newton had to find the sin that is common among the people he wanted to reach.  Today, I think our western culture suffers from a common sin.  You see it in the frantic pace we live.  We are told in commercials that we are never good enough, we fall short of the "American Dream" of having it all.  We see it in our church cultures:  "Our church isn't growing, lets do something!"  And we become program driven.

I see many families who forgo church attendance, thinking they are doing their children a favor by enrolling them in sports activities that compete for their Sunday mornings.  I see churches trying all kinds of different programs and activities, that can become overwhelming and very taxing on the servants in the church.

The fear that drives our frenetic pace in life is not believing our Heavenly Father will give us what we need, so we take things into our own hands.  Believe His promise to us.  He will provide.  

We are forgiven for our sin of not trusting our Father.  Rest in that and find peace.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.