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We are both, really…“Stewards for Christ” and “Stewards for Christ’s”. The difference may be subtle, but it’s an important distinction which draws our attention to what it means to be a steward in more ways than one. As stewards for Christ, we have a responsibility as believers to care for our personal faith relationship with Jesus. But it is not the only thing for which we are responsible.
With an apostrophe “s” attached to Christ, it means we are also stewards for who and what is also Christ’s. That means all of our time, talents, and treasures…and our neighbor’s needs, even the needs of creation itself. See, everything we have is a “trust fund” God gives us in the form of necessities of life, that we may provide for ourselves and our family, yes… but then He blesses us beyond what we need and trusts us to keep our world and relationships with others healthy, provide support for those who have little or nothing, and supply resources to spread the good news of Jesus to all people throughout the world, to educate and build-up the body of Christ, and see that God’s Word is proclaimed and the sacraments shared freely and generously.
Last month, you may not have noticed but Pastor Karl and I began the exploration of this common theme, “Stewards for Christ’s”, in our weekly sermons and will continue through the month of November, to draw attention to the fact that we are entrusted people, recipients of God’s blessings in more ways than we might think. So far we have learned that we are:
(Oct.14-15) Stewards for Christ’s VALUES – Rich in faith, mercy, and love!
(Oct.21-22) Stewards for Christ’s LEGACY – We have a heritage to pass on to others!
(Oct.28-29) Stewards for Christ’s CHURCH – We are People of the Word!
In November, you are invited to grow in faith as we learn to be:
(Nov.4-5) Stewards for Christ’s FOREVER – We’re in it ‘til the cows come home!
(Nov.11-12) Stewards…WHO TITHE – We give as we have been given!
(Nov.18-19) Stewards for Christ’s COVENANT - We live in the joy of His promises!
(Nov.25-26) Stewards for Christ’s KINGDOM – Christ is King! We have no fear!
Take your finger and trace a vertical line in the air. Then trace a horizontal line through it. What have you just done? Made the sign of the cross! It’s a way of remembering that we not only nurture faith in Christ within ourselves (vertical), but are called to serve and nurture one another in the faith (horizontal). It means that Christ is, quite obviously, at the center of our stewardship responsibilities. Life is not just about taking care of ourselves, but taking care of all that is Christ’s. As responsible stewards, we should know that it would be better to be last in line getting into heaven if everyone ahead of us are among those whose lives were touched by our generosity, rather than first in line and God asks, “Where are the people I sent you to rescue with the resources you were given?” Responsibility begins in the home…but doesn’t end there. Be challenged, uplifted, inspired, and transformed into people of vertical and horizontal faith. God loves faithful receivers, and cheerful givers!
By Pastor Jon
