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What is Stewardship?
“Follow Me,” Jesus simply but powerfully commanded of the
Apostles and they did. That call is made to us as well on
this day and in this time. How do we follow Jesus? We try
to live our lives as he did – the example of the perfect steward.
Stewardship is discipleship. It is the care and use
of all that we have been given by God and is often explained
in terms of talent, treasure and time. Why? Because communication
requires that a message is sent and received and explaining
stewardship in simple terms is more effective. Here is a way
to look at these aspects of stewardship.
Talent
We are all blessed with so many talents and yet we may not
know they exist. Talents are found in your personality, your
interests and in your skills. Those who love interacting with
people, love to talk and love to be with groups have incredible
talents to assist with evangelization. Those who are skilled
in trades or have professional abilities are gifted with talents
that can support not only a church, but also charitable works
throughout the community. Your skills and knowledge can be
put to curing many ills in our society. Your use of talent
for the work of God is one of the most personally fulfilling
opportunities of your lifetime. Payment in a smile, in relief
of suffering or in lending a hand to someone in desperate
need is greater than any material payment you will ever receive.
Treasure
Treasure is a gift and also a burden. We become consumed with
material goods. Yet, life can be lived very simply if we choose.
It is not wrong to enjoy many of the amazing luxuries life
has to offer. However, justice requires us to consider the
needs of others as we enjoy the gifts we have been given.
To some, food and housing has become a luxury they are unable
to obtain. Our use of treasure to support the charitable works
of the church helps to bring justice and equity to the world.
Charity is not a tax. It should be given freely because we
understand and believe in the end result of our giving of
financial support to any ministry. Treasure is measured not
only in what we give to the church but also in what we provide
to other charitable efforts in our community. The biblical
tithe or 10% for God’s work includes all of your charitable
giving. In light of this, many people are very generous and
should feel good about what they do.
What should you give? There is no one answer, but we should
all give according to what we have been given. Rather than
gifts of equal size, gifts should be based on equal sacrifice.
For example, those who earn minimum wage will find it difficult
to provide even basic living needs for themselves and for
their family. This financial responsibility is a priority
but it may still be possible to be a good steward in terms
of time and talent. For many others, it is very possible to
make a financial gift. A gift that is truly a sacrifice is
a gift out of our need, not just our excess. Only you and
God know what is fair but one way to know when you are making
the right gift is when you stop making excuses for its size
and stop trying to rationalize why it is enough.
Time
The gift of time is just that – a gift. None of us know exactly
how much time we have been granted on this earth. In the time
that we have, we are asked to use that time effectively by
continuing the mission of Jesus Christ throughout our days.
Each day has 24 hours and consists of time at work, time at
rest and time with family and friends. We sleep about 8 hours
a day on average, work about 8 hours and therefore have 8
hours for “other things." At rest, we sleep or at least
try, so that we may regain strength for our next day. Sleep
is essential in considering the body as a temple. In addition
to sleep, doing what we can to keep our bodies healthy and
strong helps us lead productive lives on behalf of God. At
work, our professions should help develop a better world –
in some way – while how we work should better us personally
in many ways. Your interaction with colleagues, customers,
employees, employers and others should be conducted in the
spirit of the second of God’s great commandments “love thy
neighbor as we love ourselves.” This includes the often stressful
drive to and from work! Our last eight ours of the day are
filled with so much at home or with friends and neighbors.
Family responsibility is so important and a major part of
that is faith formation. Both at church and at home, we are
responsible for handing on the faith to future generations.
How we interact with people in front of children teaches valuable
lessons on how to live. Our participation at Mass and in ministries
prepares a roadmap for ourselves and those with whom we have
influence on how to lead a Christ-centered life.
Time is fleeting. Make the most of yours by using all of your
gifts to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
©
Robert DeMartinis (only nonprofit use allowed with attribution
to author) |
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