Pastor’s Corner – March 20, 2025
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
One of the gifts we care for are financial resources. Jesus was clear about the role of stewards with money: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
Stewardship is empowered by trust in God. Stewards trust God’s ability to provide for the needs of all, including our own. Our part in that is using our gifts and talents in a spirit of generosity. God loves to give and so should we!
Since our culture so highly values amassing wealth, God’s giving to meet the needs of all has been thwarted. Our society has given the green light to satisfying needs and wants and even rigs the way things work so a few get the most. This undermines fairness and leaves many lacking basic needs. Stewards counter this sin of greed with the Divine spirit of generosity and the work of making the playing field even. Of course, some people with challenges like illness and disabilities need a hand up. Stewards understand we need each other and are glad to do a little extra to provide that hand up knowing the time will come when that care is reciprocated.
Stewards find deep satisfaction and joy in following Jesus with a generous and trusting heart.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
