~~~I've never thought of worry as a sin before. Worry is basically fear. Fear that things won't turn out like you want them to. And fear is the antithesis and lack of faith. And it makes sense that being without faith is sinful. (I'm using a broad, black-and-white term of the word sin here.)Essentially, worrying is saying that you think God isn't in control. "Sure, He's all powerful, but I don't know if he can handle this one." You aren't demonstrating faith and truly giving it to God, after all you can do.
It's pride. You think that God can't do all He says He can, but you can make a difference by worrying about it. Like that has any affect whatsoever, besides giving you more lines in your forehead.
Now there are times that worry might be a litle more justified. If, say, you've known about a presentation for months, but are searching for a projector two days before, you should be worried. (Just a hypothetical here.) You haven't adequately prepared, and you can't expect God to come in and drop a projector at your door when you haven't done your part. If, however, you've exhausted all options, and prayed, you've got to trust that God is in control. He knows and wants what's best for you, and wants to help you. But you've got to do all you can, then give it to God.So what are you worried about? Husband finding a job? Keeping his job? Your teenager's friends? Getting pregnant? Getting cancer? Whatever it is, here's what you need to do: Do all you can. Everything in your power. Then pray, and trust that God is mindful of you. Remember that your needless worry shows that you doubt His power. Which is obviously silly, since He has all power.
What are your thoughts on worry as a "sin"?
14 comments:
I try to keep in mind that worrying is useless burning of energy since it doesn't help at all...I think it only hurts. I have never read Lori Wick but I hear she is great.
Did you get your copy of Twilight? How did you like the extras?
I learned a long time ago that worry is self-destructive. That doesn't mean that I never worry but I also know that I suffer more than the one that I am worrying about. It is very hard to let it go and give it to God but that is what I try to do. If a situation is beyond my control then I just pray for the best outcome. So far this has worked for me.
Hmmmmm, interesting perspective, and not one I entirely agree with. And maybe it's because I'm coming from a point of view as someone who has experienced more than just worry, but anxiety, which is actually genetic in my family.
Reading the scriptures, praying, etc., helped me through that time in my life, but so did therapy, and having faith just wasn't enough for me.
I guess it makes me uncomfortable to talk about it as a sin, because I hear that kind of reasoning with pornography addiction, depression, etc. "If you just have enough faith and read your scriptures more, it will go away."
And it's just not the case.
Oh, and we totally chose the same Post Secret!!!
I don't think worry per se is a sin, but maybe worry without faith is. Just like faith without works.
Fascinating idea. On one hand, Kristina has a really good point. On the other, I think worry probably can be a sin in certain situations for certain people. You've given me food for thought.
We will need to watch the weather this week so Avi and I can come down.
I noticed they are having a what women want expo. april 17th and 18th.. if anything We should go to that.
Another thing I need to worry about :) Just joking.
I think that I could always excercise more faith. I do worry about things but I always remind myself quickly that God is in control. It is a tough fine line.
I never want to point a finger at someone's worry and say - you prideful worry wart. How dare you. That just doesn't seem to fit. So I think hugs and prayers do help the worrisome soul.
Worry as a sin ... I hadn't thought of it that way before. But when put this way--worry is a lack of faith--I guess I could agree. I find that the things I worry the most about are temporal things, things I feel silly praying about. But I guess that's the point. There isn't anything too silly to pray about. Hmmm ...
Thanks for sharing.
I just started reading some non-LDS fiction. It's pretty interesting... LOL
I learned early on in life that worry is not good. So I have made a concerted effort to turn things over to God. It doesn't always work but it's made my life simpler and more happy when I do it.
This is a great post for me to read right now, since I'm currently worried about having the new baby and how I'm going to handle having a newborn and a toddler to take care of at the same time. Thanks so much for posting this! I will try not to worry so much. :)
Hmm...never thought of it that way before. Food for thought.
I guess that means we should be care-free and live footloose and fancy free right?!!
I dont think that worry is a sin. It's not doubting God, its lack of faith. Faith is having the complete knowledge that whatever happens, whether you never find a job, your loved one dies of cancer or your baby loses the fight, is not sin, worrying is thoughts of the unknown, wondering what will be. Faith calms the storms of worry because faith is knowing that whatever happens death, unemployment, loss that despite it all, All will be well. Faith that God, will provide even if it isn't the way you want him too.
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