Stewardship is a way of life. It is a way to live worthy of the Gospel. Fr. Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation teaches the Gospel is a call to live life differently; simple, humble, generous, accepting that nothing is perfect. In fact, God loves imperfect things and people.
St. Paul tells us in 1 Cor 1:27 that we are called to conduct ourselves in a way worthy of the Gospel. This might sound out of reach, but it is not a call to some self-created notion of perfection. After all, we all are imperfect and broken. Besides, only God can lay claim to being perfect. But, we are called to live worthy of the Gospel. What does that mean? How are we to do that?
It means as stewards, we are to put God first in every area of life, time, talent, and treasure. We seek God’s kingdom first above all things, trusting that He will provide all we need. And in humble gratitude for His love and mercy and all of His blessings, we live a life that builds the legacy we are created to leave, one of intentional kindness and courageous generosity.
St Therese of Lisieux said, “Kindness is my only guiding star. In its light, I sail a straight route. I have my motto written on my sail, ‘To live in love.”
Our Christian faith calls us to live in love, to live life differently, to be humble, other-centered, and self-sacrificing. How does the way you conduct your life, manage your time, forgiving and loving your neighbor, using your talents, and spending your money reveal a lifestyle and a mindset that is Christian, different from what our culture advocates and rewards? In other words, how does your stewardship demonstrate your worthiness of the Gospel?
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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