Jesus said not to worry about our life—what we will eat or drink, about our body and what we will wear—because life is more than all of that (Matthew 6:25). He never said we were to stop learning, gaining skills and earning a good income. He said not to worry. Life gives us ups and downs—sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Our best-laid plans can go astray. What Jesus was being careful to explain was that the item of first importance in our minds and lives ought to be eternity, and the Kingdom to come (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus went on to say the things we need will be added. Some believe that Christians should not work hard or save money. They believe Jesus recommended poverty, but that misses the point entirely. Jesus Himself was a trained carpenter or stone mason (Mark 6:3). The Bible speaks against laziness, recommending thrift and planning for the winter ahead (Proverbs 6:6-11). Being content and not worrying makes for a life that is pleasant and filled with joy. To live simply is what Jesus advised.