Stewardship

Yesterday we discussed ownership. As we embrace ownership comes the responsibility (that irritating word once again) to embrace stewardship.

The basics of stewardship are fairly simple. In its simplest form, stewardship is the belief that we are managers, rather than owners, of all that is in our care. This includes material possessions, entries on our financial statements, our time, and our relationships.

As stewards, how do we choose to approach life? One approach is to understand that at the end of the day, our lives are not about us. Rather, we exist, and have been given the time, money, relationships and other resources that have come to us, primarily for the benefit of others.

Does this dictate a life of poverty or austerity? Absolutely not. Many have been given the gift of creating wealth, whether that is a wealth of time, relationships, or financial resources. Rather, it is a choice to use or deploy those resources to help others do well.

In almost every case, this is through example. Often, through an encouraging word. Many times, it is through offering a listening ear, or a word of advice or counsel. From time to time, it could be teaching someone what they need to know to prepare for a life well lived. Sometimes, it involved giving of our financial resources.

At all times, stewardship comes with the mindset that what we have we serve as overseers of, to be used for the benefit of others.

Do we need men and women of character and integrity to enjoy the fruits of labor and ideas? Absolutely. The young need to know that a life of character and integrity can yield an incredible lifestyle. These young often see this lifestyle portrayed only by those who live just from the lips out.

Until tomorrow...