Consider the Lily

         “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6: 28 – 30).

        In teaching His followers not to worry Jesus used several objective lessons, but none more effectively than when He said, “Consider the lilies of the field…”. 

        I have walked through the lovely fields of flowers He used to illustrate His point.

        The lilies are not what we would call a lily. They are what we consider poppies, scarlet or purple. They grow in such numbers as to blanket the field. 

        He was using the poppies to teach about basics such as food, drink, and clothing. It must be acknowledged these are basics, but must be considered in the right way.

        Jesus uses the lilies of the field as an illustration. The lilies, or wildflowers, don’t engage in labor or toil, yet they are beautifully adorned. Jesus contrasts their effortless beauty with the splendor of Solomon, King of Israel. Even Solomon, with all his resources, was not dressed as magnificently as these simple little flowers.

        Let every blossom be a reminder of God’s provision for you. Anxiety and fear can be overshadowed by His numerous reminders that He cares for you. By internalizing these truths, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing that our Heavenly Father is both willing and able to meet our needs.

        Fear was fostered in Eden. After disobediently eating the fruit Adam said, “we were afraid,” It has been said that the most repeated phrase in Scripture is, “Do not be afraid.” Take another long look at that field of poppies and be reminded there is no need to fear, every reason to express trust and confidence. 

        Today’s materialistic mind-set values possessions and outward appearances just as they. The lesson is dateless. Consider the contrast. If God is going to care for the elemental little poppy surely He will provide for the optimum of His creation, human beings. “Don’t worry” is the mandate shouted by every little poppy. A field of them is a chorus singing of His reliability.

        “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”