Week 5: Stewardship

Spiritual Discipline: Stewardship

God’s been gracious to me. I wonder—given all that God has provided for me—how I can better show my gratitude?

I wonder what good, Christ-honoring stewardship looks like today? Certainly it’s more than writing a check to local nonprofits (and the church); it must be more than tithing—after all, Jesus gives us the example of the rich young ruler (Matthew 10:17-27), and doesn’t mention anything about tithing when speaking to eternal life. Instead, he talks about providing for the needs of others. What can I sacrifice to make sure those around me are cared for?

What does it mean to be a good steward? How does good stewardship look differently when Christ is my motivator? How else might I take care of the things that God has given to me?

What about stewarding relationships? My time? My land and property? What about caring for God’s common graces to all humanity—like creation itself? What does it mean to steward those things well?

I realize that nothing here on earth is permanent. Nothing is really mine, either. It’s all God’s. But God’s given me plenty to care for while I’m here: possessions; a home and property; work; clothing; entertainment; my kids; friends and family; others that I interact with throughout the week; 24 hours each day; money. The list goes on. These things are not really mine. God is loaning them to me, and it’s my duty to care for them well. But what does that look like? How can I be a better steward?

—Bryan Haley

Confessions and Creeds

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended to heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Heidelberg Catechism

Q55. What do you understand by “the communion of saints”?

A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

Songs of Reflection

For Your Glory (Lyrics)

Living Sacrifice (Lyrics)

Offering (Lyrics)

For Kids: Practicing Stewardship

Inviting: the Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (Psalm 145:8)

Stilling: In the silence, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pay attention to God.

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-9, 17-19

You gain a lot when you live a godly life. But you must be Happy with what you have. We didn’t bring anything into the world. We can’t take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we will be happy with that. People who want to get rich are tempted. They fall into a trap. Command people who are rich in this world not to be proud. Tell him not to put their hope in riches. Wealth is so uncertain. Command those who are rich to put their hope in God. He richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Command the rich to do what is good. Tell them to be rich in doing good things. They must give freely. They must be willing to share…then they will take hold of the life that is really life.

Dwelling: Is God telling us to do something? Is God promising to do something for us?

Praying: God, rich in love and happiness, we want to say “no“ to our wants. Free us from constantly wanting more stuff so we can become generous givers and shares like you give us the gift of being happy with what we have. We have you! What more could you want? In Jesus’ name, amen.