Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44, NIV)
Stewardship has always struck me as a ten-dollar word. Christians are supposed to be givers, of course. That’s easy to understand. But what does it mean to be a good steward of God’s resources?
Imagine you’re on a work trip, didn’t take your golf clubs, and a surprise chance to play the best course in the area pops up—for free. A buddy who lives nearby offers to let you borrow his clubs.
How are you going to take care of that borrowed set? I’ll bet your attention to detail is heightened when it comes to replacing head covers and scrubbing dirt. Why? Because they’re not yours!
That’s basically how we’re supposed to take care of all that God has given to us—very carefully—because it all belongs to him.
It doesn’t matter what or how much we have, but rather how we use it.We’re the conduits of God’s blessings. He gives it to us to not only bless us but also to bless others. We’re called to give our tithes and offerings, our talent, and our time.
Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something, especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24:1, NIV)
Is there a course you play regularly? Consider it your mission field. Your membership belongs to God. He’s entrusting you to build relationships there for His glory. He wants to bless others through your blessing.
It doesn’t matter what or how much we have, but rather how we use it.
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Beth Ann Nichols
December 9, 2021
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