Free To Be

Outside Reading (2)

Matthew 6:26-29

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to your life's span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these."

We should look to the behavior of animals for inspiration on how to live freely and how to trust in God. Matthew is admiring the relaxed nature and freedom that birds experience. They are not straining to lay roots in one place, storing up resources for when things go bad, or harvest goods. Birds are following their instincts and moving around (migrating) and guess what God provides for them. Birds are not trying to be turtles or wolves, they are embracing who they are. God rejoices in this and gives them sustenance. God designed living creatures with a specific life plan in mind. Matthew reminds the reader that humans are much more valuable than any animal.  He also reassures people to not be nervous and instead rely on God. Matthew even brings flowers in the conversation. Flowers are non-sentient beings but they are fulfilling God’s plan for their short existences. King Solomon was not as beautiful as lilies in nature. The point of these verses is to call people to be what they are, human. When we try to be something other than ourselves, we are throwing away God’s provision and providence.