Biblical truth often sounds paradoxical. Teachings in the Bible can seem at odds with what we see around us. The Gospel in Mark 10: 42-45 gives us a good example, “Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The greatest and wealthiest in our culture don’t seem to be servants; they have servants. And we certainly don’t want to be slaves, always being told what to do and when we can do it. We want to be in control and master of our own destiny. And in His lavish love for us, God gives us the freedom to make our own choices. But if we want things to go well, we’ll let Him be in control. And so, Living stewardship also seems paradoxical.
We know we are to put God first ahead of everyone and everything else, but is that practical, and how would we do it? We know we are to put the needs and interests of others ahead of our own. But if we put the meeting of others’ needs before our own, we fear our own needs might be jeopardized. How do we embrace stewardship, then?
Faith. Trust. Fortitude. Psalm 27:14 exhorts us, “Take courage, be stouthearted!” Fortitude is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations, to overcome obstacles, and to conquer fear – fear of not having enough.
Stewardship requires that we trust God to provide. That trust demands faith. Faith is a gift. We need only a mustard seed amount of it. Pray for the gift of faith and the fortitude to live the best life of discipleship that you can with stouthearted courage!
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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