Consider the Flowers

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More from Life Is More

Teaching Notes

Life is more _______________.                                      Life is more _______________.
Life is more _______________.                                      Life is more _______________.
Life is more _______________.                                      Life is more _______________.
Life is more _______________-_______________.        Life is more _______________.

How do you end up with more of what really matters in life?

How do you take hold of life that is truly life?

CONSIDER THE FLOWERS

22  Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  23  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  24  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  25  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life [b] ?  26  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27  “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  28  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!  29  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  30  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  31  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.  33  Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  34  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:22-34

Generosity is the _______________ to truly enjoying what God has _______________.

If American’s want to become happier, healthier people who live with greater purpose, suffer less depression, and enjoy more personal growth, one way they might better accomplish that is to learn to be more generous. The scientific evidence shows clearly that more generous people are doing significantly better in their lives in many important ways.”

Christian Smith & Hilary Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity