Growing up in a Christian environment is very inspirational. Since early childhood, I was taught to always respect my elders, to be kind to everyone, and to treat people how I wanted them to treat me. Love, honor, and servitude to God were held above all as crucial values. As the Scripture says, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12, New International Version).
The issue of stewardship as crucial aspect of developing spirituality and faith has been the focus of my exploration of Christianity for years. In examining my previous assumptions about stewardship, I was always reminded that a faithful and wise steward is the one who gives unto the Lord through tithes and offering. According to the Scripture, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be flood in my house, test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10, New International Version).
In the book titled “Courage and Calling” by Gordon T. Smith, an interesting question is raised. Smith wonders: “If we can ask how each person can flourish, it naturally follows that we recognize all of this requires intentionality: we need to ask what can we do to be good stewards of our lives, of the gifts, talents, and opportunities that God gives us?” (Smith 23). Examining this question as a Christian, one will assume that one’s duties and responsibilities are to manage the earthly things that God has loaned people temporarily. These things include people’s finances, property, income taxes, debts, and other concerns. It is also important to utilize the resources that God has provided for us to care for the sick, to offer assistance to the needy or poor, and to pray for one another.
In closing, the overall impact has inspired me to reevaluate how I can become a better servant of God and be a blessing to others. God has provided us with the necessary resources to execute His Divine Plan. The decision to follow the specified plan and do the will of God is my calling, and to implement the strategic plan to take charge of the daily task that God has entrusted me is an excellent idea and an honorable responsibility.
Reference
Smith, G. T. (2011). Courage and calling: Embracing your God-given potential. InterVarsity Press.