Nature’s Beauty
The state flower of California is the Poppy. It is a beautiful orange wildflower that only grows in certain parts of the state. When they bloom they cover whole hillsides with a blanket of orange. People load buses and drive hours just to visit a field full of this tiny flower. God created these beautiful wildflowers. It is a beautiful picture of what Jesus told us in Luke 12.
Luke 12:27
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
It Comes Naturally
At creation, God created everything, even down to the blossom of a flower. He did it so well that their beauty surpasses anything humans can produce. The key here isn’t the beauty but the effort. No flower works at its beauty; it just comes naturally. Contrast that with the wealth and splendor of Solomon. He had more than anybody else ever had but it wasn’t as beautiful as God’s creation.
Worrying Doesn’t Work
Jesus wants us to know that all the effort and worry we put into ourselves produces very little results. In fact, he asks us what amount of worry has added an hour to our life? (Luke 12:25) If God spends so much time on a flower that is here today and gone tomorrow how much more will he spend on us?
The True Secret
The secret to true growth in a Christian’s life is to abide in Christ. A branch doesn’t produce grapes unless it remains attached to the vine. Abiding means to dwell or remain. We are to dwell in Christ. Instead of spending time on self-help and self-improvement programs spend time reading the Word of God, in prayer, living in the community life of your church, and giving of yourself. These acts attach you to Christ and help you remain with Him.