2021 is a new year and a new opportunity to make changes in our lives that will bring us closer to God. It is never too late to show God how thankful we are and good stewardship is the surest means to that end.
Stewardship is a word which, when heard or read, immediately triggers a unique cluster of thoughts and feelings. For a disciple of Jesus Christ, however, stewardship is no puzzle; it’s a simple idea. Stewardship is a way of life predicated upon four interlocking concepts: (a) God, the source, (b) gratitude, (c) accountability, and (d) return.
- God, the source
Christians believe that God owns it all and he allows us to use and hold in trust these possessions during our mortal journey, beginning with the gift of life. Everything we accumulate during our passage through time is only temporarily on loan to us.
- Gratitude
To be sure, God does not need our thanks. However, as human beings, as people of faith, and as disciples of Jesus, we need to express our gratefulness for the many gifts and blessings we have received.
- Accountability
The very word stewardship implies responsibility. Christ’s recurrent references to stewardship in the gospels contain the theme of responsibility. In the gospel, stewards are required to use their master’s property wisely and well. Those who do are praised and those who don’t are excoriated.
- Return
There is one conclusion that can be drawn about Christian Stewardship: Christ expects some yield on our investment on us. How unhappy was the stewards who buried the talent he had received and simply gave it back to the master upon his return? As disciples, we must use God’s gifts and talents responsibly and return them with increase.
How much more will you give in 2021?
-from “Stewardship: A Parish Handbook”, C. Justin Clements