In the Christian life, the issue of overmuch care or excessive anxiety about earthly matters is addressed with clear guidance in Scripture. The Bible consistently warns against allowing the concerns of this world to dominate one's thoughts and actions, emphasizing trust in God's provision and sovereignty.

Biblical Warnings Against Overmuch Care

The teachings of Jesus Christ provide foundational instruction on this topic. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explicitly cautions against anxiety over material needs. He states in Matthew 6:25-34 , "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Jesus encourages His followers to observe how God provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, underscoring that human beings, made in God's image, are of far greater value. He concludes with the exhortation to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistles. In Philippians 4:6-7 , he writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving as antidotes to anxiety, promising divine peace as a result.

The Parable of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower, as recounted in Matthew 13:22 , further illustrates the dangers of overmuch care about earthly matters. Jesus explains that the seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the word, but "the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." This parable serves as a stark reminder that preoccupation with worldly concerns can hinder spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Trust in Divine Provision

Scripture consistently points believers toward reliance on God's provision rather than succumbing to worldly anxieties. In 1 Peter 5:7 , believers are instructed to "cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This directive underscores the personal care and concern God has for His people, inviting them to trust Him with their burdens.

The Temporal Nature of Earthly Things

The Bible also emphasizes the transient nature of earthly possessions and concerns. In 1 John 2:15-17 , believers are warned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the eternal value of doing God's will.

Encouragement to Live by Faith

Ultimately, the Bible encourages believers to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and provision. Hebrews 13:5 reminds Christians to "keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This assurance of God's constant presence and provision serves as a foundation for a life free from overmuch care about earthly things.Matthew 6:25
Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 12:22,29
And he said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body, what you shall put on.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:27
Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for him has God the Father sealed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fourth Commandment
... They were righteous overmuch;' it was seeming zeal, but wanted ... If you are as proud,
as vain, and as earthly as ever ... it will be worse with such as care not how ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... In all earthly things we anticipate too much"but in the ... in the right way; but have
a care thou beguile ... the world; also if thou be prying overmuch into God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... fathers had not only outward or earthly, but spiritual ... the papists] err foully, and
speak things unworthy the ... amendment, and of a continual care of innocency ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... Wherefore do not overmuch dread the purification ... 4127] Only take care that as ... For
as these low earthly minds make the Son subject to the Father, so again is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... and a fear commended; a fear forbidden, because it ... vanish, and so consequently all
those things with which ... Wherefore thy wisdom and thy care should be, to see ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Things that are given among men, are ofttimes best at first; to wit, when they are
new; and the reason is, because all earthly things wax old; but with Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... you have borne the image of the earthly; if heavenly ... you have mentioned; nay, methinks
I care not what I ... is everyone that continueth not in all things which are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... acquainted be, too, how they are Beloved of their King, under His care: What goodly ...
no way but downwards, it is to let thee know that earthly things, when they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... [4290] "Now concerning the things whereof ye ... to prevent a brother from being swallowed
up by overmuch grief. ... Care not for it: but even if thou canst become free ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... he is the creator of all things, but he ... visit the spots which were their earthly
dwelling-places ... precious woods, preferably cypress or laurel;* care was taken ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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