I think the most challenging of the stewardship principles we are considering is: "God blesses you so that you might bless others." The first two principles: that God owns everything and that we are not owners but stewards, are reasonably easy to accept. It's this third one that sticks.
It is difficult because it forces me to recognize and admit that God is more interested in my holiness than my happiness. You see, I can easily say God blesses me because I deserve it. Or that God blesses me because I have been so faithful. Either rationale makes me happy. When I receive what I think I deserve or what I think I have earned, either one satisfies. The problem is that God doesn't operate that way. At the center of Christianity stands the amazing gift of grace. Grace is undeserved favor and grace applies to every part of my life. God's blessing is always undeserved but comes with the responsibility to use it for His glory. It is our privilege to honor our Creator with our lives and our material blessings. So the question becomes, am I using all
He has entrusted to me for His glory? Does my life, including my checkbook, reflect a decision making process that truly glorifies my heavenly, loving, Father? See why this principle sticks? Our flesh cries out, "what about me?" How can I do so much when I have so little? The Father answers, ". . . consider the lilies of the field . . .how much more will he clothe you . . ." Luke 12:27-28 (rsv)
Here's the question that each of us must answer. Am I truly willing to receive God's blessing in order to bless others? My answer is, "Yes, Lord, because I know that I don't deserve anything from you except condemnation. However, you have chosen to act in love toward me, how can I do any less? Thank you Father for the privilege of honoring You with my use of Your blessings."
Larry Wood, CCCC President
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