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The eighth sin

James Toews

It is a silent stalker. Relentlessly, it moves through its host, leaving everything it touches bruised and scarred. If unchecked, it immobilizes the infected body. Muscles that once longed to be stretched and tested begin to hang limp for longer and longer periods of time. Eyes that used to sparkle with life become restless and furtive, then dull and glassy.

As devastating as the outward symptoms appear, a far greater destruction is taking place in the soul. It is a disease whose greatest damage occurs deep within the human heart.

Who is most at risk from this infection? No one is immune, but the incidence rises with age, peaks at middle age and then declines somewhat.

What is this disease? It is not a new viral infection originating in the dark jungles of the tropics. It is the sickness of the soul called “worry”. Webster defines it as “a troubled state of mind arising from the frets and cares of life”. It has been around since the beginning of time, but it is rarely identified as a virulent killer.

But worry is a killer, and there is hardly a person untouched by it. Its sources of entry into a person are almost endless, but health, relationships and money seem to be prime locations for worry to establish a foothold. Once a foothold is established in an area, recurrences come more and more easily.

The Early Church Fathers failed to identify worry as a cardinal vice. Their list of the Seven Deadly Sins (pride, envy, sloth, intemperance, avarice, anger and lust) is formidable, but fails to recognize the deadly nature of worry.

The Bible makes no such oversight. As Jesus laid out the principles by which the people of the Kingdom are to live, He warned His followers about allowing the seeds of worry to take root. He said, “I tell you, do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). It is a simple statement, but Jesus’ instruction is not simplistic.

First, by instructing His followers to put worry aside, Jesus takes worry as seriously as sins such as lust and anger. Worry is not a good thing.

Second, He reminds His followers that worry accomplishes nothing: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) – another simple statement with deep significance. Worry not only cannot add an hour to one’s life, but it drains the soul of the very strength that life requires. Worry is a destroyer, not a life-giver.

Finally, Jesus reminds His followers that life and death are in God’s hands. The ultimate reason to put aside worry is given in a picture: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

James Toews is senior pastor of Neighbourhood Church in Nanaimo, B.C.

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Last modified January 31, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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