The Carefree Mind
THE CAREFREE MIND
MATTHEW 6:19-34
This section of the Sermon inculcates a freedom from anxiety, rising from implicit confidence in a heavenly Father’s love and care.
Verses 19-21 constitute a perfect poem in Aramaic, showing unforced rhythm and even rhyme. The uncertainty of treasure laid up on earth is illustrated by the parable of Luke 12:15-21.
“Character is the only garment you can weave in this world and wear in the next.” An unsound eye, in the sense of 6:23, is an envious eye, which is apt to accompany concentration on earthly treasure; a sound eye (6:22) betokens a generous spirit, such as God himself shows (cf. 5:45-48).
“Mammon” (6:24) is an Aramaic word, etymologically denoting anything in which men put their trust, but in practice standing for material gain, which can so easily take the central place in life that is due to God alone. We may recall the apostolic equation of covetousness with idolatry (Colossians 3:5). In spite of the plain warning that God and mammon cannot be served together, a surprisingly large number of Christians try their best to prove that it can be done—and succeed in demonstrating the truth of our Lord’s words. The Father who feeds the birds and bedecks the grass can be trusted to provide his children with enough to eat and wear (6:25-34).
We cannot be sure whether “span of life” or “stature” is the better translation in 6:27; in favor of the former is the consideration that worry has little effect on one’s stature, but is more likely to shorten life than to prolong it. The Gentiles (6:32) were supposed by Jews to have little or no spiritual appreciation: our Lord warns his hearers that they are liable to live on the same level as the Gentiles. 6:33 shows the true priorities.
An African ruler a few years ago modified this precept in a public inscription to “Seek ye first the political kingdom …”; he soon discovered his mistake. Many Christians make their own more private modifications of the precept; they, too, are destined to discover their mistake. To seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first is to take the Sermon on the Mount seriously.