It is rather typical to hear people talking about Christian stewardship in terms of the three “T’s” of time, talent and treasure. But real Christian stewardship is about more than these three “T’s.” It involves all of life and life’s resources. How about thinking of at least four other “T’s” of stewardship? These other four could include TESTIMONY (Christian witnessing), TOUCH (relationships), TISSUE (care of our bodies and physical welfare), and TRASH (care of God’s creation). This article deals with the “T” of TREASURE.TREASURE, or money, is what people most often think about when they hear the term “stewardship.” And it is true that money and, specifically, the wise use and management of money are important parts of Christian stewardship. One of the Bible passages that speaks to the wise use of money is 1 Timothy 6:17-19: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the
coming age, so that they may take hold of life that is truly life.”
There are only a few things we can do with money—earn it, give it, save it, spend it and bequeath it. Good stewardship means striving to keep a healthy balance with these uses. For example, one can get so concerned with earning that he overworks at the expense of his health and relationships. Or, one can get carried away with spending and not have
anything left for giving and saving.
The above Scripture passages affirm that God gives us all kinds of good gifts for our enjoyment, but adds that we are to use these gifts for more than our own enjoyment. Our cold and selfish natures encourage us to use money and goods only for ourselves, adopting some strange strategy like, “God helps those who help themselves.” But the new nature within us because of the working of the Holy Spirit urges us to use all our gifts, including the gift of money, for the common good and for the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. What joy will follow us into heaven when our
glorious Lord commends us for our wise use of money and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
(Matthew 25:21)
On January 1st we launched our 2007 stewardship campaign, “Maybe I Can Be an Example…..” This is an important opportunity for us to consider our commitment to Lutheran Church of the Way, not as individuals alone, but as part of a church body that God has created for his purposes and for us to give thanks to God and to return a portion of the many blessings we have received with grateful and generous hearts. The 2007 challenge for you is - I Can Be That
Example!!
When it comes to the handling of money, as with all other gifts, maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do!”
