If I can choose, how will I BE?

I cannot choose to be a steward—but I can choose what KIND of steward I will be.

To me, the word "stewardship" often conjures up budgets, finances, care of property, and the Sunday offering. I might think of earth-tending, but often the truly personal and spiritual part of "stewarding" doesn’t come to mind.

An amazing thing happens when I shift my thinking to consider myself as "being a steward."

A steward is a person—which changes my perspective to a more real, active, and personal understanding of "stewardship." Bible stories of Joseph in Egypt, or Nehemiah (cupbearer to the king), or Jesus’ parables about the talents (Mt. 25:14-30) and the shrewd manager (Luke 16) are about people—people who made choices about living their faith.

From Psalm 24, we understand God to be the absolute owner and giver of all: "The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it" (v. 1, NRSV). What incredible gifts we are loaned from our Creator—and what incredible trust and responsibility we each bear as we make choices about caring for or tending them!

When we have decided to be a follower of Jesus, we are claimed by and receive Christ. Every day, in every way, we actively choose what kind of steward (manager) we will be with everything God has given us! Making choices is both personal and active!

An oft-quoted saying (attributed to various authors) is: "Stewardship is everything we do after we say, 'I believe.' "

To focus on my personal actions (choices), I might change this to say: "Being a steward is everything I do after I say, 'I believe.’ "

I can choose to ignore or squander God’s gifts, or I can choose gratefulness and generosity, aware that abundant life in Christ means I care for:
• the vessel of "my" body—my health and fitness
• the days, hours, and minutes of "my" time
• "my" spiritual gifts and talents
• "my" trees, soil, air, and produce
• "my" money, material wealth, shelter, and toys

...The list could go on and on! The choices are up to each of us!

Excerpted from ebrethren online newsletter