from the word translated "careth" later in the same verse. The word behind "anxiety," in its derivation, is a graphic picture of distracting care, a divided attention. Such di version prevents the whole-hearted devotion that ought to mark a Christian's life. The spirit of the in dividual is severed, part of its alle giance belonging to God and part to self. Anxiety viewed in this man ner sets self in competition with God. The seriousness of the moral problem is immediately evident when anxiety is labeled as a form of pride. Yet there are also preva lent among us today many emo tional, mental and physical conse quences of this sin. Has there ever been another day when inward tur moil has played such havoc among Christian high school young peo ple? Has there ever been another day when church leaders suffered physical breakdowns due to their inability to cope with situations? Has there even been another day when Christians lost their effec tiveness in witness because their own lives were torn asunder by the absence of the peace of God? "Hurry" is the watchword of our lives. Because of pride we assume that God has not planned carefully enough. We find ourselves revamp ing His plan and crowding in more than He ever intended, so that we run to and fro, busy in many things, but accomplishing little except our own destruction. Could it be that the present day increase in professional counseling among Christians is in fact trace able to a failure to define anxiety properly? Can it be that Christians are turning to natural sources for relief from the sin of anxiety and
Robert L. Thomas
This relationship, so clearly de lineated in this verse, is contrary to popular Christian perspective in our day and time. Nevertheless, the Biblical analysis remains. To be an xious is to assume that / must take over now that God has made a flop of things. The frustrated Christian is not to be pitied because of his frustration, nor is he to be admired for breaking down under circum stances which assume proportions impossible from a human stand point. No matter how hard the times may be, to give in to anxiety is tantamount to practicing pride. The word "care" in the King James translation of this verse is more accurately rendered "anxi ety." It comes from a root different Page 8
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