Article July 15, 1933 Issue

Consider the lilies

Peter B. Biggins

During the summer season, when many outdoor plants are in full bloom, as indeed at all times, we may be reminded of these words of Christ Jesus: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.” The Master declared that “even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Think of the contrast—the humanly acquired splendor of Solomon paling into comparative insignificance before the natural beauty of a lily! Continuing, the Master brought home the lesson, saying, “If God so clothe the grass of the field,...shall he not much more clothe you?” He rebuked the lack of faith, or absence of trust in God, which would lead one to lose sight of God’s suitable provision for all His children.

Christ Jesus was continually imparting helpful spiritual truths concerning God and man, and faithfully rebuking materiality in its various forms. Before drawing attention to the lesson of the lilies, he had been telling his hearers of the perfection of God and of man. Man in God’s likeness ever understands the truth of being perfectly. Mortals, however, need to learn this truth progressively; and the Master’s mission was to teach it and show the way to learn it. Thus we may conclude that in his illustration of the lilies he was making clear to his hearers some of the necessary human footsteps whereby the understanding of the absolute truth may be gained, and safeguarding them against mistakes arising from materialistic views. We cannot afford to ignore the necessary steps which he so patiently, so discerningly, pointed out. By recognizing the obvious fact that God provides for lesser objects of creation, we shall better understand that God amply supplies every need of man. By comprehending the lesser, we shall grow in the understanding of the greater. If apparently burdened at any time by a sense of lack, one may learn many valuable lessons from nature, with its varied seasons, its profuse and luxuriant growth, its lavish provision of flower and fruit. In contemplating even this human sense of bounty, we may see therein typified the spiritual fact that man’s supply, derived from God, is always adequate, even abundant.

It was no idle, merely abstract, or dreamy contemplation to which Christ Jesus called us in this illustration of the lilies. It would be wrong to suppose such a thing, as his own life of practical usefulness, alertness of observation, and decisiveness of action plainly shows. The true sense of spiritual reality, such as Christ Jesus possessed and imparted, impels one to active, vigorous, purposeful work, which is lightened, happified, and quickened by spiritual vision. The admonition of the Master to “consider the lilies” should bring to us the desire and ability to understand the nature of true being. It is plain that Christ Jesus was drawing from the lilies a lesson of God’s provident care for all that is spiritual and real, and his teaching always had due regard for practical utility. The Master’s knowledge went far beyond a material basis, for Christ Jesus had a true understanding of creation.

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