The Trust Test

Last week, we explored Jesus’ teaching on earthly treasures. The real test wasn’t about whether we have money, but what we do with it—whether our treasure serves the kingdom of God or ourselves. Jesus warned that if storing up treasures on earth is our goal, we will end up serving something—or someone—other than God.

If we're not supposed to live for earthly treasures, then how will our basic needs be met? Jesus shifts the focus from possessions to provision—and gives us a new kind of test: The Trust Test.

Matthew 6:25–34 ESV

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

What Do I Value?

The word anxious doesn’t refer to normal concern or responsible planning. The kind of worry Jesus warns about goes further. It’s when concern over takes us and becomes a consuming focus.

Anxiety is that vague, restless fear we feel about something that may or may not happen. It is mental and emotional energy spent on imagined outcomes.

Jesus is clear: this kind of anxiety doesn’t come from God. And som he invites us to face the falsehood of anxiety for something better, biblical truth over imagined worry.

Let’s look at two false conclusions that lead us to worry.

Life is only about the physical needs

When I was a child, I did not worry as much, but as I matured and became responsible for my own well-being, reality set in. Life can be challenge to have the basics met.

God knows that you are his disciple. You are flesh and blood and need food and drink to live. And He definitely wants you to be clothed. Do not be led toward to worry assuming God is not aware of what you need to live. He is not only aware, but he is inclined to provide what you need.

Worry accomplishes something

The second false conclusion is that worry accomplishes something. The truth is, worry does not serve any purpose. It feeds our hearts the misconception that we can improve things through worry. Jesus proves what modern science affirms. Worry does not help your physical well being.

Worry takes a serious toll on the body. It disrupts sleep, strains the heart, weakens the immune system, and contributes to headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems. Over time, chronic anxiety can lead to high blood pressure, fatigue, and even increased risk of illness. What starts in the mind eventually wears down the body—proving that worry not only fails to add to our life, as Jesus says, but often takes from it.

Jesus reminds us that physical life has need and that he will provide for his people. He is not only able but very willing to do it.

Who Do I Trust?

Do I misunderstand how God values his own?

Here, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter—Who do I really trust? To help us understand, He points to two examples from everyday life: the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

Now let’s be clear—birds are not lazy. They rise early, gather food, build nests, and care for their young. Lilies, well, we’re not sure how hard they work, but they are clothed in beauty beyond human comparison. And yet—you’ll never find a worried bird or an anxious lily. Worry isn’t in their vocabulary, because God provides for them.

Jesus says, “Aren’t you worth much more than they are?” If God feeds the birds and dresses the grass in splendor, how much more will He care for those who belong to Him?

Do I have little faith in God’s provision?

In verse 30, Jesus challenges us with a rebuke: “O you of little faith.” When we give in to anxious worry, we reveal a small view of God’s faithfulness. Weak faith is a shallow reliance on someone we claim to depend on.

Let me give you an example. You may remember when Ryan came to visit some months ago, we all piled into a car and headed to La Vaquita. I handed him the keys and said, “I trust you”—despite never having ridden with him before. He seemed like a trustworthy guy, and he didn’t disappoint. But imagine if I had said “I trust you,” then proceeded to micromanage from the back seat: “Slow down. Turn here. Watch that car.” That would’ve revealed that I didn’t actually trust him at all.

Our Heavenly Father not only meets expectations—He exceeds them. He created all things and continues to sustain them. Nature confirms His care. Scripture proclaims His faithfulness. The real challenge is this: Will I rest my soul in His truth?

When Ryan drove, I closed my eyes and took a little nap—waking up just in time to enjoy the destination. Sometimes, we have to do the same with God: close our eyes to this world, stop worrying, and place our whole being in God hands.

If God is good, do you trust Him to provide?

Where Is My Focus?

I focus on the unknown future more than the present.

Jesus tells us clearly: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” But let’s be careful not to misunderstand His point. He isn’t saying we shouldn’t prepare or plan. Scripture affirms the principle of sowing and reaping—planting seeds today with wisdom and diligence for tomorrow’s harvest.

What Jesus warns against is becoming mentally disabled by a hyperfocus on the future—assuming we know exactly what’s coming, and letting fear take the wheel. The truth is: you don’t know what tomorrow holds.

Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the rich fool. Luke 12:18–21

Luke 12:18–21 ESV

18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

The man’s focus on self-made security blinded him to eternal realities. Jesus reminds us: life is fragile, and anxiety about imagined futures robs us of faith-filled living today.

I resort to worldly reasoning to soothe my anxiety.

Jesus then makes a bold comparison: He says that worrying like this is how the Gentiles live. He’s not talking about ethnicity—He’s talking about spiritual identity. Gentiles in that context were those without a relationship with the Father, and without that relationship, they had no antidote to anxiety.

One commentator puts it this way:

“Such men have no knowledge of a heavenly Father, and so they have no antidote to anxiety and a consequent materialism in their outlook… The disciple, by contrast, realizes that his Father knows what he needs and will provide.”

Worry drives the world to frantic striving. But disciples are called to trust, not hustle.

You may have heard the phrase: “Do something—even if it’s wrong.” That expression may sound bold, but it’s only half true. Action without wisdom is often just anxiety in motion. Worldly thinking says, “Act now, fix it later.” Kingdom thinking says, “Trust God first, then act in obedience.”

Jesus invites us to exchange anxious striving for active, trusting obedience.

The Proper Focus

Jesus gives us four commands in this section, but they center on two ideas: → Don’t be anxious. → Seek first the kingdom.

Seeking first is the summary of how we pass the Trust Test. It shifts our focus from imagined futures to eternal priorities. It puts God’s agenda ahead of our survival strategy. It replaces panic with purpose—and anxiety with peace.

Let me close with three areas in which you can practice seeking first the Kingdom of God

A Christ Presence in Your Home

What is your home like? I am not asking if it is well kept. What is the spiritual flavor of what happens. Does conversation include faith-filled trust in God and a growing transformation into Christ character. Is prayer centered around seeking God for your daily bread? Are you taking the time to instruct yourself and those in your home in God’s truth?

Integrity in your work life

What is the nature of your work? Is honesty a low value on getting the job done? Do you feel that you have to compromise to “get ahead” in life because things are so much more competitive? God desires for his disciples to honor Him at work:

Colossians 3:23–24 ESV

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

A Commitment to Faith Fellowship

Lastly, one are that troubles me is the decreasing value that believers place on Christian fellowship and church gatherings. The trend for families today is toward a low view of gathering with believers on Sunday for worship and time in God’s word. I have met families that thought it more important to attend sports activities held on Sunday because it was their way of making sure their children were able to get a sports scholarship to pay for college. Unfortunately, while intending to provide for the future finances for college, they have displayed how they value spiritual things over earthly treasures.

Closing Illustration: Eric Liddell – A Life That Passed the Trust Test

As we close, I want to share a story about a man who understood where his value, trust, and focus belonged. His name was Eric Liddell, a Scottish runner and devout Christian.

In the 1924 Paris Olympics, Liddell qualified for his best event—the 100-meter dash. But when he learned the final would be held on a Sunday, he refused to run. He believed that honoring God by resting on the Lord’s Day was more important than chasing Olympic gold.

He was mocked by many. People said he was foolish, throwing away his chance at greatness. But Liddell stood firm.

Instead, he was given a spot in the 400-meter race, an event he hadn’t trained for. Just before the race, an American trainer handed him a note with 1 Samuel 2:30:

“Those who honor me I will honor.”

Eric ran with joy and freedom—and won the gold, setting a world record in the process. But the story doesn’t end there.

He later gave up fame and athletics to serve as a missionary in China. When war broke out, he was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp, where he ministered to others until his death in 1945.

Eric Liddell lived a life that valued the kingdom above comfort, trusted his Father in both victory and suffering, and focused not on earthly reward but eternal purpose.

What about you? Will you live a life that passes the trust test? Will you seek first the kingdom… even when it costs something?