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Stewardship Basics |
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Stewardship is an answer to Jesus’ call to “follow me.” At the heart of stewardship is the belief that everything we have—our talents, time and treasures— and all we accumulate during our lifetime are gifts on loan to us from God. Love is the foundation Stewardship is founded in love. Love for God and love for one another. Because of His great love for us God has entrusted us with many gifts. And as trustees we are called to use these gifts wisely and responsibly. They are not for us to hoard but to share. They are not for us to use to fulfill our own needs but rather to fulfill God’s plan. And in thanksgiving for all God has given us, we are required to return a portion of these gifts—with increase—to the Lord. Who is a Christian steward? Our bishops tell us in their pastoral letter that a Christian steward is one who, “receives gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them with justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.” An attitude of mind and heart Stewardship is not an option but a baptismal responsibility. It is not a part of our life as disciples of Christ but the essence of our life here on earth. It is an “attitude of mind and heart” that encompasses how we live each and every day. It effects how we act as parents, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, employees and employers. It has the “power to change how we understand and live out our lives”. The life of a Christian steward The life of a Christian steward is not without challenges but it is also filled with intense joys. With stewardship comes:
Fulfilling our role as stewards God has a unique role for each of us to fulfill while on earth. And as stewards it is our responsibility to prayerfully identify our role and use our gifts accordingly.
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