I was listening to a preacher read the lesson about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and how they do nothing and yet God cares for them.

And I thought, "I better not tell that to my stewardship folks."  I worry that those type of texts will make us worry less and do less and give less.

It is a little like my seminary professor who told the story about a Bible study in his rural Midwestern congregation, and when they came to the conclusion that there is nothing you can do to earn God's love, that it is a free gift from God, one old farmer quipped, "Fine, just don't tell the kids."

We use God to keep our kids in line.  We use guilt and obligation to get tithes out of people and work around the church.

But nothing makes us generous and giving more than the knowledge that God provides everything without our effort.

When I know of God's love and care and concern it opens me up to giving and caring myself.

Jesus knew that.  No one knew better than Jesus about the overwhelming love of God.  And so no one lived it better, even to the point of giving His life.

When we truly know how much we are cared for there is really nothing we can do but give and give thanks.

Lord,
We give you thanks for feeding and clothing and caring for us.  May we be clothed also in your generosity.
Amen.