What to do with Jesus and Paul?

Sometimes the Bible can be perplexing because, as Peter says, “There are some things in them [Paul’s writings] that are hard to understand . . .” (2 Peter 3:16). The Bible can be complex; thus, leaving us scratching our heads in bewilderment, but there are also many occasions when the passage we’re reading is perfectly clear, and yet, we’re still left scratching our heads, not because of complexity but rather because of the sheer counter-cultural, against-the-grain difficulty of application.

I read two such passages today that left me asking, “God, what am I to do with these verses?!” I’m thinking of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34 and Paul’s in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. 

Let’s start with Jesus. What specifically in these verses does our Master tell us not to worry about? Answer: food and clothing. What kinds of things do we usually worry about? Answer: not food and clothing, and if we are worried about such things it isn’t usually concerning the mere possession of them but rather the quality of each (i.e., good food and stylish clothing).

Now on to Paul, particularly verse 8: “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” Here’s my gut reaction to these words: Are you serious? What do  you mean by “we”? Speak for yourself! There is nothing complex about this verse (in Greek or English), but, oh, how it troubles me! Who lives like this? How am I to take these words seriously?

Between Jesus and Paul, I’m humbled and reminded that I ought not to be nearly as preoccupied with stuff as I am. I realize that neither passage condemns the possession of more than food and clothing (i.e., it is not sinful to have more). What is so challenging is the call to (1) be satisfied in God in such a way that having only food and clothing will not leave me embittered or complaining, and to (2) trust God in such a way that even if possession of the bare essentials is questionable, I’ll not be anxious or angry because I think I deserve more.