In the Kingdom of God, there is no need to worry (Matthew 6:19-34). Most people worry, though. They put their faith in Social Security and other retirement savings plans to feel safe. It is understandable. It would be awful to have to rely on government handouts to survive in your old age, wouldn't it?
When Jesus said not to worry, he didn't mean for you to grit your teeth and try really hard not to worry. What he meant is that when we all make it our purpose in life to care for our neighbors there is no need for anyone to worry about anything. All of us would always be provided for. How much would you have to give up for that to happen? How much would you have to pay in tax for everyone to have enough food, a place to live, good healthcare and so on? Well, that's the thing, you would have to give up everything; even yourself. You would have to offer yourself as a living sacrifice, as Paul the Apostle puts it in Romans 12:1.
Like the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-27, most people can't imagine that peace of mind, God's peace, not having to worry, is so much more valuable than anything else you might call your own. The poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 gave everything she had. The rich and powerful, the ones who could really make a difference, did not.
I am convinced there is a small group of people who have not lost faith that the Kingdom of God is possible. Today we might call it something else, an intentional community perhaps. Maybe our words alone won't convince people that we can restore the Garden of Eden. Working together showing them by our example might. Someone long ago put it this way: Preach the gospel, if necessary use words.
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