I am currently leading a men's group in a study series using Jerry Bridges's "Respectable Sins." Last night, the discussion became rather explosive . How do you deal with the question: "Is worry a sin?"
Personally, I believe that even if we assume that worry per se is not a sin, it is a barrier to our journey to discipleship. Let's see if there is additional wisdom from this group I can learn from.
Thanks in advance.
conrade
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I want to agree with Brian's comments above but add a caution to the discussion. First, I was intrigued by the question and have discussed it in my Men's Group that I lead and with my wife. We came up with many of the classic verses you would normally go to.
However, it is somewhat of an attitude issue. At what point does a concern become a worry. It is something like asking at what temperature does the water get warm. We are all at different points on our Christian walk and there are things that I am concerned about that I do not believe are at the level of "lack of belief that God will take care of a situation" as Brian defined the term. I am sure that Jesus went through a range of emotions in the Garden as He prayed for "the cup to pass" but I would firmly believe that his "concern" did not rise to the level of sin. I clearly am not Jesus and I have probably danced on that line at different times and for different things. As we mature in Christ, we hopefully spend more time on the correct side of the line.
Just some thoughts. Thanks for the question and the reply.
Brian,
Thanks for your thoughts. It's tough dealing with the area of sins that are not so clear cut. This is especially so for people who have been badly hurt by those who professed to be Christians. It takes a while for such people to even consider worry as a form of sin. They will tend to say, "So what if it is sin, biblically, if there is injustice that causes me to worry and get frustrated?" Whenever we deal with the topic of sin, there is much spiritual warfare going on. As I study the topic of sin, I am increasingly convinced that dealing with sin first and foremost is one of the most fundamental aspects of discipleship. It is so easy to live comfortable material lives, and talk nice things to one another on Sunday mornings. The moment we want to venture to tackling the hidden sins in individual lives, the demons are awakened. In the ScrewTape Letters by CS Lewis, the senior devil teaches Wormwood as follows:
I suppose whether worry is sin or not, it is a powerful tool to separate us from God. Thank you for pointing to the resources by Ed Welch. They are very good.
c
Biblically I think worry is a sin (Phil. 4:6-7, Matt. 6:25 "Do not worry..."). However, we need to be sensitive to those who are worriers and riddled with anxiety. Worrying about things is basically lack of belief that God will take care of a situation. Much of our sin comes down to our unbelief. But where there is sin, there is grace and that is where we get to come into someone's life and help them see the answer to their worrying is Jesus. Jesus is our Redeemer, and He will take care of us no matter what. Rooting out sin and being sanctified is a process, we usually don't get "fixed" overnight. I hope you find it a privilege to walk through this process with your friends leading them to the cross.
I have found the resources at www.ccef.org extremely helpful, specifically a workbook called, When I am Afraid, by Ed Welch.
Your friend in Christ,
Fletch