strive

He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.  Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 1:22-31, NRSV)

Can you add a day to your life by worrying about things?

Can you make your hair grow or change by worrying about it?

The birds of the air and the lilies of the field do not toil or worry over where their food or colors will come from, but rest in the ever loving hand of our creator and get what they need from God.

If we are working towards earthly comforts we will be looking for our own comfort and not living out the kingdom values that Jesus came to teach us. We need to strive and work for the kingdom of God, storing up our treasures in Heaven.

Then we will not be striving for success but rather be striving for the kingdom of God and will be showing forth His love in everything we do!