Widicat's Words

“Free As a Bird”

We were looking on the United Methodist Foundation website on Stewardship to get ideas for our fall Stewardship time and ran across an article called “Free As a Bird.” I think it has a great message for all of us as we think about our own stewardship in uncertain economic times.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6: 19-34 about the birds and the flowers who have plenty of food, are clothed beautifully and are free of worry. The birds and flowers do not sow and reap, have car payments and home mortgages, pay for retirement and medical insurance, etc., so how does their freedom relate to us?
We must use our brain and the things God gives us to responsibly take care of ourselves and our family. But like the birds and flowers, none of us knows for sure what will happen in the future. That is where our worry comes from. Jesus says that God loves each bird, every flower and even each blade of grass. If God cares for them, think how much more God cares for us. This is the “Cornerstone of Christian Stewardship.” We know that no matter what happens with the economy, God will provide. We work and plan and do our best, and leave the rest up to God.
By living our life trusting God, it frees us to invest in God’s kingdom which will endure forever. Investing in God’s kingdom frees you to live by faith instead of living in a constant state of worry. Learn to soar with the birds and to be clothed with the beauty of God and then you will be free.

--Paul