An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

February 2012

“There are many ways in which we cannot share, but that does not discount the ways we can.” This statement is in this month’s issue of Stewardship. We can all say Amen to that can’t we? The needs of the world are certainly overwhelming: poverty, food shortages, millions with health problems, calamities caused by floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, droughts and so forth. The list of the world’s afflictions and desperate needs staggers us and makes us feel helpless. So I repeat the words found in the Stewardship article: “There are many ways in which we cannot share, but that does not discount the ways we can.”

The third chapter of the Book of Acts helps us understand the truth of these words. Do you recall the story of Peter and John going to the temple to pray? The apostles saw a lame man begging for alms. Peter, having sympathy for him said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise and walk.” And the man did just that.

If we are short of money trying to meet any need, we still have a voice to offer Christ’s love. We have talents to offer compassion and care, time to help, words to alert others so they may use their brains and brawn to help relieve a portion of the wounds of the world. And if we will use whatever gifts from God that we have to be the church at work on Christ’s behalf, we can be certain that our efforts will be rewarded in ways we might never imagine.

Prayer: Blessed Lord, let us never forget that living for you and serving as followers of Christ will honor you and make our lives worthy and a blessing for others. Amen.