The Making of Stewards

We are lucky people; lucky in that we have been allowed to live in this wonderful time in history and in this beautiful place in the world—northern Florida.  We are lucky because by any possible measurement we have control over much in terms of resources, both personal and corporate. We have money, jobs, health, and assets. But for God to accomplish his mission of reconciliation, we need to be ready and trained in sharing our assets with God for his purposes.

Our sharing involves discerning how much of our income we will return to the source from whence it came—God.  We have talked of the tithe as the “gold standard” and ten percent being the minimum amount we should be giving as disciples of Jesus.  But, we have left room for growth—from a portion of a tithe to a full portion over time. We also have to grow into being faithful in using our assets to further God’s kingdom.

None of us want to waste our time, talent, or treasure by giving to organizations which do not match our values, or expending our time in areas not producing fruit in God’s orchards. But we also do not want to bury our treasure in order not to lose any portion of it to rust, rot, or thieves.  We, the Church, have been entrusted with the things of our faith; hymns, traditions, and liturgies which assist us in spreading the Good News of God’s endless love and grace.  Every event, sacrament, and liturgy are pointed toward development of stewards, and sharing the Good News for all to hear.

God’s kingdom is truly among us and with us and trying to burst forth for all people to share. That death has been defeated and is no longer a source of fear for any of us is truly Good News that all would appreciate hearing as truth for all. To know and believe that Christ was victorious over death is news that all humankind could receive and rejoice over.
So let’s all share that News.  Let’s minister to the lost and rejected. Let’s reach out to those unfamiliar with Christ’s Gospel—the Good News. Let’s live like disciples of Christ, and live lives of example—examples of Jesus.  Like God’s love for us, or the love of a parent for a second child—where there is more than enough to go around.

We are stewards of God’s assets entrusted into our care. We are stewards of the faith—not owners of it.

Peace,
Father Mark +