We don’t have to worry
Christian stewardship begins with the awareness of God. It’s that simple. If we are aware of God, we realize that there is a higher priority in life than ourselves — even higher than life itself. We then also know that, finally, everything belongs to God.
When God is a present reality in our lives, we are humbled by the awareness of that which is truly higher and holier than we and me. We seek to worship and glorify this God. We become aware of life as a gift and ourselves as stewards or managers of the gifts of life.
Stewardship is at the very heart of faith, and faith is at the very heart of stewardship. Stewardship is far more than giving to the church, although it includes that giving. It all begins with an awareness of God as the center of life.
- Jesus reminds us that God feeds the birds and clothes the fields with beautiful flowers. So also will God provide for us. (Matthew 6:25-33).
- “Do not worry about tomorrow,” Jesus says. (Matthew 6:34).
- “Do not worry about anything,” the Apostle Paul adds, “but with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6).
- We belong to God and are precious to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
- Scripture promises that God will meet our needs. (Philippians 4:19).
- Economic hardship is not a time for fear (John 14:27) but a time for trusting God, discovering the power of prayer, and realizing how blessed we are to have the Lord as our Shepherd, protecting us and providing us with what we need (Psalm 23).
Based on material from Mark Allan Powell and Gary F. Anderson.
Trinity Lutheran Church 