Consider the Lilies
What a difference a little Greek word makes!
I discovered this morning that a word in the Text translated “thought” can also be translated “anxiety” and that has made all the difference! Let me show you what I mean:
“Take no thought for your life, what you will eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, what you will put on…”
But now check out how it sounds when you translate the Greek word “merimnao” as “anxiety” instead of “thought”:
Accept no anxiety over your life, what you will eat or drink, nor have any anxiety over what you will wear…
It really hits different doesn’t it? One sounds like it’s telling you not to plan ahead, and I think we can all agree that this is a difficult verse when it’s translated this way. Because wise people DO plan ahead. And some of us are pretty good at planning ahead because we find less anxiety in our lives when we do.
And besides, there are other verses that talk about planning ahead as a good thing. Consider this Proverb for example: (and there are others!)
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. -Proverbs 21:5
But if the Word is actually encouraging us not to worry over these things… not to accept anxiety over them… that’s actually a whole different thing altogether!
This Greek word is used repeatedly in this chapter, here are some examples:
Take no anxiety for your life, what you will eat, or what you shall drink… (Mt 6:25)
Which of you by taking anxiety can add one cubit to your stature? (Mt 6:27)
Why take anxiety for clothing? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. (Mt 6:28)
Take no anxiety for tomorrow, for tomorrow has anxiety for the things of itself. (Mt 6:34)
And when they deliver you up, take no anxiety over what you shall say… (Mt 10:19)
I find it really easy to get in a twist about things. And especially this year 2025 with so much trauma, chaos, and malice in the air, it’s hard not to hold anxiety about a whole lot of things. I don’t think God wants us to be numb to the needs of God’s dear ones in the world around us, but spending time ruminating on these things isn’t going to be an actual help. The word “ruminate” is like a cow chewing it’s cud - it’s just round and round and round on the same idea or group of ideas while in the grip of fear. I think this may be one aspect of what these verses are getting at. Chewing our cud fearfully will just wear us out and leave us for little energy to do important things that do actually make the world a better place for those in danger, or for ourselves when we’re in danger. Never underestimate how simple and seemingly small things can help, like sharing a meal, sending a loving message, planting a garden, sharing a ride, leaving a big tip, etc.
So this morning I’m grateful that Jesus wasn’t teaching us not to plan ahead. Jesus is actually teaching us not to worry ahead. There’s a difference that comes down to how we translate one little word of this magnificent text. Pretty cool if you ask me.
Dear one, use your energy to bless someone today. That is what changes the world for the better!
Sending love your way.
Carmen
I leave you with this blessing:
I release you in the power of the Holy Spirit into the world God so loves, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with the God, who sees the goodness and grace in you, and walks proudly with you.