Why does only Mankind Worry? A Squirrel and a Flower [OA02_04] shows that although animals, plants have need, only humans worry.

A Squirrel and a FlowerOvercome Anxiety: Finding Peace, Discovering God

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? (Matthew 6:26).

And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
(Matthew 6:28-29)

Let's start by making some common observations about the squirrel and the flower. The squirrel and the flower seem oblivious to this disorder called anxiety.

The squirrel gathers up nuts not because of worry. It is not aware of its future need. The squirrel is self-programmed to store up nuts. We call this instinct.

The flower is not aware of itself either. It does not think about the nectar being taken by the bee. Nor is it concerned what it will look like if the little girl picks one of her blossoms. Jesus states that God cares for these animals and flowers even when they do not care for their own needs. We all have our needs.

Overcome Anxiety: Finding Peace, Discovering GodLet me state an important observation. The difference between people and animals is not the need. People as well as squirrels have needs.

We must ask the question then, "Why does man worry when animals do not?"

We will find part of the answer in the way God designed human beings different from other created things. We will be looking at this in the next slide.

Let's focus on what makes man so specially made.    Next page > Marks of Humanity

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom