And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. Instead seek his kingdom and these things shall be yours as well. Luke 12:29-31

From a stewardship perspective the key word in this passage appears at the end of the second sentence. It is the word "need", how different would it be if the word were "wants". A major stewardship issue is the difference between needs and desires, the difference between what we need and what we want.

We all need housing, but there comes a point where what we spend on housing shifts from what we need and what we want. This is even more true of transportation. Almost all of us need some kind of automobile, but there is an entire industry convincing us to buy something that is a lot more than basic transportation and to do so frequently. Here again there is an issue of need compared to want.

This is not offered as a criticism of our economic system, but rather as a comment on how we live within that system. The key is understanding the difference between needs and wants than making intentional decisions about what we are doing. The more we focus on what we need, the more likely it is that we will live out our values. Too much focus on wants create real danger for our relationship with God because it increases the risk that material things will get in the way of that relationship.

Our stewardship journey can be helpful in this situation. As we proceed on that journey and increase our commitment to God, we will be more mindful of this distinction because our priorities will change. There is a book entitled How To Want What You Have, our stewardship journey can help us to have that kind of attitude and be more at peace with ourselves and with God.

Lord God, help us to understand the difference between what we need and what we want. We know that everything that you have made is good, guide us to the appropriate use of those things. Help us to have the right relationship with material things and help us above all to have the right relationship with you.

Amen

Mid-Summer Cathedral BBQ 

On Sunday, July 26th following the 10:00am Liturgy we will gather at Mercer, for hotdogs, hamburgers and fellowship, all are welcome.