Training for the Race
Our life in Christ is a race of sorts. It is not a race that starts and stops, but one that continues from our baptism until eternal life with him. Even though we never stop the race, we do have moments where we need to hydrate, take nourishment, and gain strength.
Where Is the Evidence?
Our stewardship way of life is evidence of our faith. It is hard to argue that one truly has faith if they do not seek to live as Jesus calls us. Our stewardship is not only evidence, but it is our testimony and witness to faith.
To Give of Oneself
Gratitude is simply the gift we give to the one who was generous to us in the first place. Generosity gives birth to more generosity. Without as much gratitude in the world, there is less chance for an increase of love and generosity.
How Much Is Enough?
When confronted with a decision, we can sometimes be given a choice of good, better, and best. We fool ourselves into believing that the good choice is not a bad one, so it must be enough. However, we have placed a limit on our generosity or commitment with our false sense of good stewardship.
Called to Compassion
How many of us pass by homeless people and pretend they are not even there. We don’t have money in our pocket, we don’t have food to give, and we don’t have material items that they need, so we offer them nothing. We don’t even offer ourselves.
What’s Most Important?
Maybe the problem lies in the fact that, at times, we are merely lukewarm fans of Jesus and not disciples. If we truly have matured in our faith and strengthened our relationship with him, then real commitment comes easier.
Patience in All Things
You’re trying to live a stewardship way of life but keep falling onto the side of the road? God wants you to reach Him on the road but will wait for you. You want to be holier and more committed to your faith? God will take what you give Him.
Reach Out in Love
Our generosity and our giving of very selves back to God need to bear witness to the transforming power of Jesus. If we truly love another, we will offer them the example of how we love God even more than them. This is the “why” of our stewardship.
Give Graciously
I love the verse in Sirach where it says, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” This is an interesting concept for those of us who think a stewardship way of life is all about the giving of gifts. When we start to think that all we are called to do is give for the sake of giving, we have missed the point.
Get to Know Jesus
However, no matter how much I write about my family and how much you read about them, you will only have a glimpse as to the real people. It will take an actual relationship with one of them to get you to the point where you can say you know them. That is the same way with Jesus.
Set the Earth on Fire
If we are to be like Jesus, then we need to set the earth on fire. We need to be bold and proclaim the Good News without apology. By our actions of love and justice, we need to show the world that with the Body of Christ on earth, it is not business as usual.
Plan Wisely
We spend much time putting off things until later. Then when something unexpected happens, we swing into action to deal with it or prepare for its effects. We would have acted differently if we knew what was coming down the road.