|
What is Stewardship? It is the religious
conviction that every gift of nature and grace comes from
God and that the human person is not the absolute master
of his or her gifts and possessions but, rather, the trustees
(stewards) of them. They are given in trust for the building
up of the kingdom of God. (CCC 2417) 1 Peter 4:10 tells
us: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received
to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in
its various forms."
Though stewardship's ultimate reward is not of this world,
discipleship yields an impressive return on investment during
our lifetime. When you embrace the stewardship lifestyle
you readily bear witness to the wonders stewardship delivers.
(Acts 20:35: "It is in giving that we receive.")
Walking the stewardship path, gratitude and grace increase.
Stewardship loosens the grip of greed. A sense of wonder
returns as jaded attitudes fall away. Anxiety withers. Trust
in God blossoms. You begin to discern want from need. You
cherish the true joy of charity, and readily see that God
rewards your good will by entrusting you with even more
blessings.
Although previously you may have thought of stewardship
only in monetary forms, you can see from scripture that
it is much more than that. "People must think of us
as Christ's servants, stewards entrusted with the mysteries
of God. What is expected of stewards is that each be worthy
of God's trust." (1Cor. 4:1-2)
What gifts do you bring? Please make note of the many ministries,
and organizations available at Ascension that could use
your gifts. The way of life of Stewardship means your resources
must be used to reach out to others to build God's kingdom
of love, justice, and peace.
|
