“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it…” (Psalm 24:1, NRSV)
Stewardship starts with an understanding that all that we have, and all that we are, is God’s! When we think like this, we open ourselves up to the generosity and abundance of our loving God. And when we remember this, we begin to see what it really means to believe that we have all been created in the Image of God, are loved by God, and are co-workers with God in the world today.
As such, we are entrusted with all that makes us who we are, by God, including:
- Our lives, health, bodies, souls, hearts, minds, hearts, and relationships;
- Our time, ideas, dreams, questions, and stories;
- Our talents, gifts, strengths, passions, and vocations;
- Our treasures, money, finances, and assets of all kinds;
- And all creation that we are a part of.
Stewardship is part of what it means to live a life of faith and growth as a disciple. We grow in our faith by telling stories of faith, and sharing all that God has done and continues to do, for us. We are so moved by all that God has done and continues to do, that we can’t help but be overjoyed and want to share in that good work. It is our joy and gratitude that shapes our response to God’s gifts and promises for us, that is our stewardship.
For more stewardship theological grounding, see this starting one-page explanation from Deacon Timothy Siburg. What is Stewardship?
