Anxious

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak at Carmen's class on the Life of Christ. I enjoy studying the Bible and going to the root words. I am one of those people who constantly tweak and the presentation is never good enough. Of course, I ask myself, "what does 'good' enough really mean?"

If I believe that it is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that transforms lives then it is not a matter of 'good' or 'bad' because God is at work. I am there to proclaim, to herald that Gospel.

There is an element of respect for time. So, I agonize over the time frame by which I am allotted to herald. I over-prepare because it is easier to take information out then to add it in after the fact. In my preparation, I do not put in jokes or examples yet examples come out and depending on the subject matter there could be appealing commentary.

I was thinking about this anxious and agonizing process. It is probably human nature that or at least I know my personality is wanting everything thing to be done perfectly. I understand that the work that we do because the people are the church not the building is an act of worship to God.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6,7"

In light of Philippians, Paul is saying to be anxious about nothing. He is imperatively saying be anxious about nothing. He is encouraging his brothers and sisters who are his joy and crown.

Paul setup this verse in verse 5.

"Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]." - Philippians 4:5 (Amplified)

I can't help not but to obey and not be anxious considering that as we are lights in the world. Let all men know, perceive, and recognize your unselfishness, your consideraness, and another word used is gentleness.

I love those words because it involves the fruit of the Spirit. And I end with Galatians 5:22-24

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."