... we should consider ourselves stewards of everything in our lives - every dollar we earn, every good idea that enters our minds, every position we attain, every privilege we enjoy. We are to steward well all our skills, resources, experiences, influence, and social capital, investing them back into the created order for the good of other people. We're to leverage our God-given resources for the common good, making this society a better place to live for everyone, not just ourselves. As Christians, we'll be held accountable for the way we invest every asset God has given us (see Matthew 25:14-30).
More than anyone else, Christians ought to operate according to the words of the martyred missionary Jim Elliot: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
There isn't really much to add to this, I guess. I have a hard enough time thinking of everything I have as blessings - even though I know that's what they are. I'm working really hard to get myself out of the mindset that, "I earned the money, so I obviously deserve this." All that I have isn't mine. I can't take it with me (how many times have we all heard that one?) and it truly will mean nothing in Heaven and it means nothing to God. What matters to Him is how I use what I have. It shouldn't all go to me - I truly do like to help others. Really. The problem is realizing what I really NEED and what I need to GIVE UP or GIVE AWAY.
It all goes back to the selfishness issue, huh?
2 comments:
I'm going to have to read this book. It looks really good and you keep talking about it! Have fun in Disney and we must get together when you get back! I miss my Andi time!
I struggle with that too, especially when I look at catalogs and shop. If I make a list of what I need and stick to it, I spend less, have less stuff, and can give more. I feel like there is so much I "want", but then again, we have so much more than 10 years ago- I think the wanting will never go away. We need to sooooo be fasting to really FEEL our leanness of soul in this area. Just to do without... hmmm...
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