Just Do It

I first discovered a verse many years ago, and couldn’t figure it out. ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof’ (Matthew 6:34). It’s in the King James Version of the Bible, which was what we used then, and many other verses still stick in my mind. Since then, of course, a range of newer translations has been published, but the KJV somehow has a memorising quality for me.

Here it is in the NIV: ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own’ Is this any easier to understand? Verses taken out of context often seem confusing. Putting them back where they belong, in the body of the Bible brings them to life. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6 33). That seems clear enough.

It’s one thing memorising scripture, especially if we can understand it, but it’s applying it to our lives that brings it alive, and personal. This is God Himself speaking about real issues, that affect us all personally.

Searching for the Kingdom of God in our own lives brings the fruit we are looking for. Then we must stop, and consider the blessing, and the promise: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). This promise follows the fulfilment of a condition. Are we thirsty? Are we hungry? I mean, hungry and thirsty for the things of God, desperate to drink in the Holy Spirit, and longing for the life God has prepared for us. “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Some years ago, there was a slogan dreamed up by a sports clothing and footwear company: “Just do it.” It wasn’t clear what we had to do, but let’s apply it to Scripture and see what happens. Scripture can be fascinating to read and exciting to live by, but it’s only when we begin to live it and take to heart all it tells us that life changing consequences begin to emerge.

The Bible is not meant to be a series of instructions, but a generator to bring to life the Holy Spirit within us, so that our life can be transformed: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

It is God Himself we are seeking. As we surrender ourselves to His will, a new dawn emerges. And as we live and walk by the light, we discover treasures undreamt of, and a life of wonder and discovery opens up before us.