In our modern-day culture, how do we grade, or consider our position or standing in life? If things are great, sad, we're rich, we're poor, we're smart or dumb, pretty or fat...how do we determine those things?
Don't we look at other people and compare? If I lived in a society where I weighed 350 pounds, but I looked around, and everyone around me was 500 pounds or more, I'd think I'm super-skinny, moms would want to constantly feed me and tell me I needed to thin out.
My point is, doing relative comparisons, and using other people as the measure, is a dangerous slope to be on I think while seeking to walk with and bring honor and glory to Jesus.
Husbands shouldn't look to other men and consider how they're doing in their marriages, and then decide if he's doing ok or poorly in his own marriage. Couples shouldn't consider how other couples interact and love and honor each other.
As followers of Christ, we have an absolute standard that we need to look to, and if you feel the need, to measure yourself.
Jesus is that absolute standard. As such, husbands should consider how Christ acted as a husband. Couples should consider how, in reality, Christ was in communion with the Father and Holy Spirit, and realize that a marriage is a three part relationship.
Now, you might think, attaining an absolute level like Christ is impossible. Yes, I agree. Attaining Christ's perfection is incompatible with the sinful, depraved human beings we are. But, it doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
Jesus is completely perfect. We should attempt to live as holy a life as He did. In doing so, it's important to realize that we will never live up to His absolute standard of perfection. That shouldn't stop us from trying. His perfect grace makes up for the shortcomings that hinder that attainment of absolute perfection.
Peter writes (NASB):
"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Paul puts forth at various points in the New Testament (all NIV)" (1 Peter 2: 21-25)
and Paul writes (NIV):
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Phil 3:12)...
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
6.25.2009
5.03.2009
wedding in Wealthville
Yesterday I went to a wedding in Dallas. The wedding crowd consisted mainly of guests from the Highland Park community, a wealthy suburb of Dallas. This is the Dallas version of the community I grew up in in San Antonio. So for most of my life now, I have gone to school with a good number of well to do kids or have grown up in a neighborhood whose occupants are for the most part quite prosperous.
See, the funny thing is, you, or I, nor anyone for that matter, has a choice of where you are born or the family to which you are born, or the socioeconomic class to which you are born into.
Statistics largely bear out that the socioeconomic class you are born into is the one you'll die in. Socioeconomic advancement or decline for the majority of Americans, world citizens, whoever you might be, just doesn't happen.
Sure, you hear of rags-to-riches success stories, even more of them in America, but the majority of people around the world will more or less stay in the same socio-economic class for their lifetime.
If you think about the reasons surrounding and supporting that claim, they make a lot of sense. But that's an entire other post altogether.
So anyways, can one be wealthy and have a relationship with Jesus? Can one be wealthy and pursue Jesus with all his or her heart?
Those are really two separate questions.
In the midst of the wedding and the reception, I got to thinking about this more (I have thought about it a ton already). I have to admit, I had judgements before (and still do) the wedding about people who are rich and how that plays into a relationship and pursuing Jesus.
I was able to take a walk around this neighborhood in Dallas, and I was mammothly impressed by how large some of the houses in this neighborhood are. Not only that, the architecture is really fascinating on many of these homes and I was thoroughly impressed.
It really got me thinking. If people build these homes out of pursuit for glamour or to showcase wealth, in some sort of competition, that becomes an IDOL, and it is false and despicable to God. If people build these homes with the genuine intent of, say gathering a family together, building a community, or serving their neighbors, or allowing underserved or underprivileged people to stay in their home, whatever it may look like...if they build a home with the intent of bringing glory to God, that is what God wants.
Those thoughts have led to some overall conclusions I have come to so far regarding wealth and pursuing Jesus (they aren't necessarily permanent conclusions).
Throughout history, God has given certain kings or the people of Israel numerous material blessings. They resembled in certain ways the Highland Park community of back then.
My point is, I don't think God despises wealth or have a problem with it. Wealth standing alone is a neutral for God. In fact, if anything, it may very well be a sign of God's approval and faithfulness.
Now, the previous paragraph is a very dangerous statement. Please re-read it. It is worded very carefully. It could lead to all sorts of misunderstandings...
What God DOES have a problem with is when wealth is pursued over Him or even somewhat instead of FULLY Him!! God is jealous. I don't blame Him. He made us. We belong to Him. As individuals or communities, how would we dare to put anything...wealth, sex, achievement...before God??
So, back to the idea of, well, I want to follow Jesus, but I have all these elements pulling againt me....what do I do if I'm born into a community or family that is prosperous?
I think the answer is seeking Jesus means getting poorer. It was His example for us.
I don't necessarily fully refer to monetary prosperity. And in fact, getting poorer can be done by anyone who is rich or poor (economically). "Getting poorer" for the Kingdom will just look differently for those in differing world socio-economic classes. Paul nails it on the head:
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very natureGod, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
I can't imagine what the prosperity of Heaven is like. Jesus voluntarily, willingly GAVE THAT UP to BECOME POORER! A man of all things!!
So no, I don't think being wealthy creates an impasse in having a relationship with Jesus. There are wealthy people and communities, contemporary and throughout history, who have been great models of faith in Christ, and incredible humble servants. It's not impossible.
However, I certainly think that wealth is an overly dangerous and strong tempation, especially in light of the way our world is culturally and economically structured. Wealth or its pursuit is an alternative life street to Jesus with way too many stumbling blocks. It requires a mature and humble follower of Jesus to possess wealth but have it be a relatively unimportant part of their identity.
Identity #1 is pursuing Jesus with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And I think, that looks like getting poorer by the world's standards.
So who wants to voluntarily become poor?
See, the funny thing is, you, or I, nor anyone for that matter, has a choice of where you are born or the family to which you are born, or the socioeconomic class to which you are born into.
Statistics largely bear out that the socioeconomic class you are born into is the one you'll die in. Socioeconomic advancement or decline for the majority of Americans, world citizens, whoever you might be, just doesn't happen.
Sure, you hear of rags-to-riches success stories, even more of them in America, but the majority of people around the world will more or less stay in the same socio-economic class for their lifetime.
If you think about the reasons surrounding and supporting that claim, they make a lot of sense. But that's an entire other post altogether.
So anyways, can one be wealthy and have a relationship with Jesus? Can one be wealthy and pursue Jesus with all his or her heart?
Those are really two separate questions.
In the midst of the wedding and the reception, I got to thinking about this more (I have thought about it a ton already). I have to admit, I had judgements before (and still do) the wedding about people who are rich and how that plays into a relationship and pursuing Jesus.
I was able to take a walk around this neighborhood in Dallas, and I was mammothly impressed by how large some of the houses in this neighborhood are. Not only that, the architecture is really fascinating on many of these homes and I was thoroughly impressed.
It really got me thinking. If people build these homes out of pursuit for glamour or to showcase wealth, in some sort of competition, that becomes an IDOL, and it is false and despicable to God. If people build these homes with the genuine intent of, say gathering a family together, building a community, or serving their neighbors, or allowing underserved or underprivileged people to stay in their home, whatever it may look like...if they build a home with the intent of bringing glory to God, that is what God wants.
Those thoughts have led to some overall conclusions I have come to so far regarding wealth and pursuing Jesus (they aren't necessarily permanent conclusions).
Throughout history, God has given certain kings or the people of Israel numerous material blessings. They resembled in certain ways the Highland Park community of back then.
My point is, I don't think God despises wealth or have a problem with it. Wealth standing alone is a neutral for God. In fact, if anything, it may very well be a sign of God's approval and faithfulness.
Now, the previous paragraph is a very dangerous statement. Please re-read it. It is worded very carefully. It could lead to all sorts of misunderstandings...
What God DOES have a problem with is when wealth is pursued over Him or even somewhat instead of FULLY Him!! God is jealous. I don't blame Him. He made us. We belong to Him. As individuals or communities, how would we dare to put anything...wealth, sex, achievement...before God??
So, back to the idea of, well, I want to follow Jesus, but I have all these elements pulling againt me....what do I do if I'm born into a community or family that is prosperous?
I think the answer is seeking Jesus means getting poorer. It was His example for us.
I don't necessarily fully refer to monetary prosperity. And in fact, getting poorer can be done by anyone who is rich or poor (economically). "Getting poorer" for the Kingdom will just look differently for those in differing world socio-economic classes. Paul nails it on the head:
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very natureGod, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
I can't imagine what the prosperity of Heaven is like. Jesus voluntarily, willingly GAVE THAT UP to BECOME POORER! A man of all things!!
So no, I don't think being wealthy creates an impasse in having a relationship with Jesus. There are wealthy people and communities, contemporary and throughout history, who have been great models of faith in Christ, and incredible humble servants. It's not impossible.
However, I certainly think that wealth is an overly dangerous and strong tempation, especially in light of the way our world is culturally and economically structured. Wealth or its pursuit is an alternative life street to Jesus with way too many stumbling blocks. It requires a mature and humble follower of Jesus to possess wealth but have it be a relatively unimportant part of their identity.
Identity #1 is pursuing Jesus with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And I think, that looks like getting poorer by the world's standards.
So who wants to voluntarily become poor?
2.21.2009
vulnerability leads to intimacy
I think most people would agree that intimacy is a great thing. Intimacy in relationships that is, above all things, pure and uncorrupted is a deep desire of hearts.
Most of all, our hearts want to be most intimate with Jesus. I believe all hearts are like this. They were created that way. It's only natural for them to be inclined to gravitate towards their founder, and best lover, Jesus.
I think it's just that some hearts have recognized this fact and have responded, either deciding to accept and pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus, and some have responded negatively...for selfish reasons, or possibly haven't responded yet because the enemy has blocked or constrained the joy and pure vision of Jesus from some hearts.
Whatever the case may be, I want to make the point that I think vulnerability leads to intimacy. **Let me caution that by immediately saying that vulnerability is risky too, and can lead to severe pain and hurt, when vulnerability is taken advantage of or abused.
Maybe a more clear expression is that vulnerability when led by the Holy Spirit leads to intimacy, which again, I'm pretty sure most people, deep down, are going to recognize is a great thing.
Think about instances where vulnerability occurs. When someone gets up to share their real and honest testimony, to share different joys and pains, they are opening a wider window into their hearts. They are being vulnerable in many ways, and it's not often easy to share a personal testimony. Yet, I can think of numerous examples where I have benefited greatly from a brother or sister sharing a testimony. I also certainly observe that the gathered body of believers who experiences that testimony seems to genuinely increase the closeness or togetherness of their relationships to each other. The body of believers becomes more intimate when Spirit led vulnerability takes place.
I also think of an example of a guy and a girl going down towards the road of marriage. That process certainly involves vulnerability, and something so intense and important as a process leading towards the holy covenant of marriage I'm thinking definitely is going to have a lot of the Holy Spirit involved. In terms of human relationships, I can't think of anything more intimate than a husband and wife. The intimacy doesn't just happen--it's something that grows after genuine vulnerability happens in each person (whether they like it or not).
Saving the best for last...the greatest instance of where I think vulnerability leads to intimacy was where I started this post. This verse also reminds us to follow the example (of being vulnerable).
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
Jesus, finding himself in the glory of Heaven, in the security of sitting next to God the Father...desired to be more intimate with the hearts of those He had so lovingly created...hearts that had fallen away and been led adrift by sin. Our greatest example of pure vulnerability led by the Spirit was Jesus himself. If the picture of a man beaten and bloody, half-naked, with arms wide open nailed to a cross can't serve as a textbook definition of vulnerability, then nothing can.
And Jesus' gift of salvation to an individual heart, if that is not THE definition of what intimacy really is, then intimacy should be struck from being allowed to be a word.
And so...I think it's true. Vulnerability leads to intimacy. Especially when the Holy Spirit has a heavy hand in the vulnerability part.
Most of all, our hearts want to be most intimate with Jesus. I believe all hearts are like this. They were created that way. It's only natural for them to be inclined to gravitate towards their founder, and best lover, Jesus.
I think it's just that some hearts have recognized this fact and have responded, either deciding to accept and pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus, and some have responded negatively...for selfish reasons, or possibly haven't responded yet because the enemy has blocked or constrained the joy and pure vision of Jesus from some hearts.
Whatever the case may be, I want to make the point that I think vulnerability leads to intimacy. **Let me caution that by immediately saying that vulnerability is risky too, and can lead to severe pain and hurt, when vulnerability is taken advantage of or abused.
Maybe a more clear expression is that vulnerability when led by the Holy Spirit leads to intimacy, which again, I'm pretty sure most people, deep down, are going to recognize is a great thing.
Think about instances where vulnerability occurs. When someone gets up to share their real and honest testimony, to share different joys and pains, they are opening a wider window into their hearts. They are being vulnerable in many ways, and it's not often easy to share a personal testimony. Yet, I can think of numerous examples where I have benefited greatly from a brother or sister sharing a testimony. I also certainly observe that the gathered body of believers who experiences that testimony seems to genuinely increase the closeness or togetherness of their relationships to each other. The body of believers becomes more intimate when Spirit led vulnerability takes place.
I also think of an example of a guy and a girl going down towards the road of marriage. That process certainly involves vulnerability, and something so intense and important as a process leading towards the holy covenant of marriage I'm thinking definitely is going to have a lot of the Holy Spirit involved. In terms of human relationships, I can't think of anything more intimate than a husband and wife. The intimacy doesn't just happen--it's something that grows after genuine vulnerability happens in each person (whether they like it or not).
Saving the best for last...the greatest instance of where I think vulnerability leads to intimacy was where I started this post. This verse also reminds us to follow the example (of being vulnerable).
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
Jesus, finding himself in the glory of Heaven, in the security of sitting next to God the Father...desired to be more intimate with the hearts of those He had so lovingly created...hearts that had fallen away and been led adrift by sin. Our greatest example of pure vulnerability led by the Spirit was Jesus himself. If the picture of a man beaten and bloody, half-naked, with arms wide open nailed to a cross can't serve as a textbook definition of vulnerability, then nothing can.
And Jesus' gift of salvation to an individual heart, if that is not THE definition of what intimacy really is, then intimacy should be struck from being allowed to be a word.
And so...I think it's true. Vulnerability leads to intimacy. Especially when the Holy Spirit has a heavy hand in the vulnerability part.
12.28.2008
anxiety, relationships
So, I've been doing some thinking, and I have come to this conclusion/realization.
Anxiety seems to be arise out of selfishness. The more selfish one is, in general or in a particular relationship, the more anxiety is felt.
I was thinking of this in context of a good friend who has just entered into a dating relationship. He is an outstanding guy, and a solid brother, but he has expressed that he feels anxious in many ways with this relationship. I think it's selfishness. I don't think this unnamed friend is selfish in general, he does not act as such, but I think the source of his anxiety can be traced to his own selfishness with this relationship. In the sense that an ideal or a mental picture of what that relationship should look like or how it would proceed is held in my friend's mind.
I would say my friend with this relationship is a minor example that was supporting evidence for this thought of how selfishness is related to anxiety. The real incriminating evidence and major example for this came when I reflected upon myself, and how stupidly selfish I am in certain relationships in my life, and low and behold, those areas of my life are where I experience the most anxiety. I refer to relationship both as in relationships to other people as well as relationship as in my relationship to money, trust, marriage, and other non-human aspects of life.
Instead of relying on Christ to be the center, I rely on my self, convinced of my own ways and my own thoughts to figure things out. I set out this idea in my mind about how something should be, rather than trusting Christ's way over my way.
I think Paul alludes to this in Philippians: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
And Jesus gives a pretty clear solution to this problem of selfishness and the resulting anxiety that can simply wear someone out: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Now, I want to be clear, I don't think we're just to sit down in a chair and let God run our lives. Completely the opposite. We're to walk according to the graces He has showered down upon us, but do so with a firm trust and reliance on Christ's precepts and principles rather than my own.
Anxiety seems to be arise out of selfishness. The more selfish one is, in general or in a particular relationship, the more anxiety is felt.
I was thinking of this in context of a good friend who has just entered into a dating relationship. He is an outstanding guy, and a solid brother, but he has expressed that he feels anxious in many ways with this relationship. I think it's selfishness. I don't think this unnamed friend is selfish in general, he does not act as such, but I think the source of his anxiety can be traced to his own selfishness with this relationship. In the sense that an ideal or a mental picture of what that relationship should look like or how it would proceed is held in my friend's mind.
I would say my friend with this relationship is a minor example that was supporting evidence for this thought of how selfishness is related to anxiety. The real incriminating evidence and major example for this came when I reflected upon myself, and how stupidly selfish I am in certain relationships in my life, and low and behold, those areas of my life are where I experience the most anxiety. I refer to relationship both as in relationships to other people as well as relationship as in my relationship to money, trust, marriage, and other non-human aspects of life.
Instead of relying on Christ to be the center, I rely on my self, convinced of my own ways and my own thoughts to figure things out. I set out this idea in my mind about how something should be, rather than trusting Christ's way over my way.
I think Paul alludes to this in Philippians: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
And Jesus gives a pretty clear solution to this problem of selfishness and the resulting anxiety that can simply wear someone out: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Now, I want to be clear, I don't think we're just to sit down in a chair and let God run our lives. Completely the opposite. We're to walk according to the graces He has showered down upon us, but do so with a firm trust and reliance on Christ's precepts and principles rather than my own.
7.31.2008
anXiety
I have to confess. I am at my wit's end with anxiety. Being driven by fear is horrible. Royally. As a motivator to some sort of action, anxiety I would say would be one of the least desirable things to drive oneself or others. I don't feel like I'm bringing this anxiety on myself. Well, maybe I am not bringing it purposefully, but I sure am not on the stout lookout and providing a solid defense for it.
To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.
B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.
That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"
Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)
I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.
B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.
That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"
Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)
I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
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