16-July-23 (Matthew 13:1-9, 16-23)

Jesus told two very different parables, one about seed that is sown everywhere and another about stewards that are rewarded for careful investment. How do we reconcile the one that says that God's abundance should be broadcast all over the place and the other that says that we should be good and careful stewards?
I see one way to do that: We recognize that God is the one who will bring our ministries and our generosities to full fruition, wherever those resources are put. We also recognize that we have to be wise and careful with where we put our resources so that they do the most and best work. It's a balance of the two. Either one, by itself is only part of the way and, if we fail to consider the balance, we will either on one extreme waste resources or on the other be so miserly that we fail to do good that we could.
As we prepare to give generously, let us also commit to prayerfully and carefully considering what to do with these offerings.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God, who is gracious and generous beyond our understanding, we thank you for all the ways you continue to bless us. Help us to turn what we receive back to you with care and generosity. Help us to be so excited for the ministries we have from you that we cannot help but support them, both though our monetary gifts and with prayer and careful consideration.
In Jesus name, AMEN.