Quote of the Day

Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected.  In the wilderness God gave Israel the manna every day, and they had no need to worry about food and drink.  Indeed, if they kept any of the manna over until the next day, it went bad.  In the same way, the disciple must receive his portion form God every day.  If he stores it up as a permanent possession, he spoils not only the gift, but himself as well, for he sets his heart on his accumulated wealth, and makes it a barrier between himself and God.  Where are treasure is, there is our trust, our security, our consolation and our God.  Hoarding is idolatry…….Anxiety creates its own treasures and they in turn beget further care.  When we seek for security in possessions we are trying to drive out care with care, and the net result is the precise opposite of our anticipations.  The fetters which bind us to our possessions prove to be cares themselves…It is not care that frees the disciples from care, but their faith in Jesus Christ.  Only they know that we cannot be anxious (vs. 27).  The coming day, even the coming hour, are placed beyond dour control.  It is senseless to pretend that we can make provision because we cannot alter the circumstances of this world.  Only God can take care, for it is he who rules the world.  Since we cannot take care, since we are so completely powerless, we ought not to do it either.  If we do, we are dethroning God and presuming to rule the world ourselves.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer