Finches, Flowers, and Fashion
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When Jesus wanted to teach something important he would often point out children as examples. Recently two of my grandchildren, Noah age five and Kaitlyn age 7, spent the night with us. They amazed me with their knowledge of bird life. Noah explained the differences between gold-finches and ordinary house-finches. Kaitlyn named several bird species and said that if she couldn’t identify a certain bird she would look at it with grandma’s “bird goggles” and then looks it up in the bird book. Jesus is a bird watcher. He watches over all His creation and even sees those thought to be the most insignificant by society. |
Einstein, one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, believed that behind such a universe of law and order there must be a God or Supreme Being. Although Einstein was probably a Deist, Jesus revealed God as our heavenly Father who cares about every detail of our life. People in our day are living lives of stress. They have a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus teaches the answer to a life of hope, happiness, and heaven. We can learn valuable lessons from finches, flowers, and fashion. (Matthew 6:25-32)
First let’s consider the FINCHES. My grandson Noah is impressed with the colorful gold-finches. But God cares about even the most common, ordinary sparrow. Jesus says that God notes when even one falls to the ground. They don’t store up food in barns yet God gives them their food. Jesus wants you to know that you are more valuable to God our heavenly Father than the sparrows or finches. He cares about you.
Next consider the FLOWERS. Jesus said, “Why worry? Look at the flowers. Even King Solomon was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30) Let your faith blossom like the flowers.
Then consider the world of FASHION. My granddaughter Kaitlyn loves fashion. She can dress her Barbie dolls for hours and be content. Give her a pair of new shoes or clothes and she’s happy. She is just as happy with a garage sale special. But many Americans are not happy unless they have the latest fashion. God promises to clothe His children who trust in Him. But Jesus tells us not to worry about these things. “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew 7:31-32 NLT). Jesus said, “Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25) Be content with God’s provision.
What is the answer to a life of true hope, happiness, and heaven? Finches, flowers, and fashion can teach us invaluable lessons for life. Trust God’s care for you, be content in Christ and your Heavenly Father’s provision, and put Christ and God’s kingdom as your first priority. He gives His promise. “Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 NLT). Don’t worry about tomorrow – trust God today!
by: Cliff Sanders