I wrote this two years ago. My then pastor, in Jackson, asked me to write about what stewardship meant to me in 100 to 150 words. I am posting it now because out of the blue my new pastor in Memphis asked me if I wrote something on stewardship and then said, “I thought that you might be that Brian Bolton. I am on a national stewardship committee and that was given as an example.” Oh, well, to be honest, I was embarrassed. Then I re-read what I wrote, and, I thought, well, that is actually kind of good. Then I went down this whole road of where I am now in a reflection of what I wrote, and now I am disappointed in myself. Well, here it is, maybe it can be of encouragement to you:
Stewardship reflects our servant hood … since we are servants in and of the Kingdom of God. We are called to be good stewards, servants and keepers. That involves giving money to help the poor, the needy and the widows; to support local ministries and overseas missions; and to keep the church’s lights on. It also involves time volunteering and putting our skills and knowledge to use for no earthy gain.
Yet, stewardship still goes deeper than money and time. It is a matter of the heart. Are we willing to make sacrifices for the Kingdom? At Exodus 12, the Israelites plundered the Egyptians of gold, silver and fine linen. It is revealed latter on, in the desert, that these were intended for the tabernacle. However, only those who were of a willing heart brought a contribution.
God does not want reluctance. Stewardship means worshipping God through joyful and willing service – whatever that may entail.
