Yesterday I mentioned Epictetus, the Greek stoic philosopher. I thought another comment from the former lame slave would be useful.

“Unless we place our religion and our treasure in the same thing, religion will always be sacrificed.”

Jesus said,

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Epictetus was wise I guess, but Jesus beat him to it. For more great nuggets of wisdom visit the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7.

Epictetus was a slave, born in AD 55 as a slave. He was apparently lame from birth but eventually did earn his freedom and became a teacher of philosophy. Is wise advice is useful especially today:

“If you understand this you will know peace. Some things are within the power of your control and some things are not.”

There is little peace in our world today. We worry about so much. We stress over things we cannot control. Contrary to television commercials we cannot control aging. We certainly cannot control our spouses. The economy is much larger than anyone person, company or government and our health seems to be controlled largely by genetics. But we still worry and worry.

Jesus asked:

“Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27)

It’s a great question which we would do well to stop and think about. Let our life be an oasis of peace. Trust in the Lord and let him handle the future.

Mike Ditka (1939 – ) is one of the greatest coaches in the NFL. He coached the famed Chicago Bears in the mid 80’s and carried them to 6 division titles and three trips to the NFC championship. In 1986 his team beat the Patriots in the Superbowl. He later coached at New Orleans and is one of only two men to win Superbowls as a player, and assistant coach and as a head coach. He knows something about winning.

Ditka’s words of wisdom follow:

“Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy.”

This has application for the Christian but we have to be very careful. We are not and never will be worthy of redemption in and of ourselves. It’s just not possible. But at the same time, we are not unimportant worms. What does it say about you that God loved you so much that he “gave his only begotten son” for you (John 3:16).

What does it say about how Jesus views you when he says that no one has greater love for his friends “that someone lay down his life” for them (John 3:13)?

Once we see just how important we are to God, we will begin to draw closer and closer, without fear, to the one and only Savior.