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Dear Friends,
We continue to think of about Stewardship. I said in my sermon on Sunday...
We are stewards of many things: creation; economy; children; health; property and possessions; time; information; and most importantly the Gospel message - the Good News of Jesus. You and I have been given an amazing gift - we have the keys to eternity. What are we doing with it? How are we spending all we are for the sake of Christ?
We are called to invest in eternity. We do this every time we tell someone about Jesus. We are sowing the Word of God into this world and God promises that His Word does not return void. (Isaiah 55:11)
I am reminded of a sermon I heard from Tony Campolo years ago. As I recall he quoted a survey that was done asking 100 people over the age of 95, "If they had life to do over again what would they do differently?" One of the major responses was they would work to leave something significant behind, making a lasting contribution. He shared a story about how a school teacher invested in her students and in one particular student changed his life forever.
When we think of being stewards of the Gospel in reality we are stewards of God's love. People will know we belong to Jesus because of the love we have for one another. (John 13:35) Love is not to be hoarded and kept for ourselves. When we do that love disappears. We are to love radically, unconditionally, lavishly. We are to expend ourselves in mercy and kindness and compassion. We are to forgive and be a conduit of healing in this broken world.
This is the stewardship God wants - He wants our hearts and when he has them all the other giving we are to do (time, talents, treasures) comes joyfully and freely.
May God grant us grace in the journey and may He find us faithful in each moment... in the mission, Father Jon+ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ How rich are you... I found this income calculator that places you in by comparison of your household income in w "world wide bracket" - Check it out...
http://www.globalrichlist.com/
It is kind of humbling when you think of all we have in this world. It makes me think of the passage Luke 12:48... From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required;
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In my mind I'm gone to Carolina...
Actually in my truck) I am on my annual fall trek to the mountains of Western North Carolina on a personal retreat for a few days before meeting up with some college friends. Pray for me as I pray for you. Here is an inspirational shot from years past...
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