“…and the greatest of these is love.”
Stewardship – A Way of Life
A traditional American proverb says, “God makes this request of His children: Do the best you can – where you are, with what you have – now.” The story of Jesus Christ feeding the 5,000 illustrates this through the boy’s offering of all that he had – five loaves and two fish. This boy did his best with what he had, and Jesus used it to perform an incredible miracle.
We also bring what we have to Jesus. We offer bread and wine. He returns it to us as His body and blood in Holy Communion. We offer ourselves and we become the Church, His body on earth. No matter how much we give, He cannot be outdone. Just like the boy who offered the loaves and the fish, if we offer what we have – however great or small our gift – with prayer and humility, God will receive our gifts and multiply them to feed His people.
We don’t give out of fear of judgment in the afterlife. We give with joy as part of our spiritual growth, putting the emphasis on experiencing heaven now. Stewardship of our gifts can help shape our world and ourselves in such a way that we can experience God’s grace, love, and communion in the present. This perspective on Christian Stewardship emphasizes that which is possible for us as humans – now rather than later. It shifts our focus from fear to the potential for experiencing joy.
Stewardship is not about calculations, portions, or percentages. It cannot be reduced to a number of hours of service or dollars offered. We can’t reduce our responsibilities as members of the Body of Christ to paying the bills. Christian Stewardship is a mindset – a way of life. In true stewardship, we do not give to the Church for any specific purpose. We are giving back to God with joy in thanksgiving for what He has done for us. God is never outdone in generosity.
The true motivation for giving is grace. Giving is an act of worship in response to the generosity of God. “You are to give,” says Saint Paul, “as God has prospered you.” His Second Letter to the Corinthians (9 & 10) teaches us clearly, “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” God blesses those who give with generosity.
The question is not, “How much do I give to stay in the club?” or “What are the dues?” The real question we need to ask ourselves is “How do I thank God for my many blessings?”
As Orthodox Christians, we are called to a new way of seeing things – a new way of life. Stewardship is obedience to the greatest commandment, to “love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” We are called to bring ourselves and others to commit their lives to Jesus Christ in such a way that leads to the joy of knowing Him personally and profoundly.
Saint Gregory the Theologian writes, “You will never overcome God’s generosity, even if you give away all that you have. And however much you bring to Him, always more remains. Nor will you give anything that is your own; for all things flow from God.”
You cannot do everything, but you can do something. God wants you to do your best and leave the rest to Him. Saint Theophan said, “Exert all your strength, but rest your concern for success on God.”
The Lord doesn’t expect any more from us than what we have to offer. But He does expect us to be faithful and that we do our very best for Him.
We do our best and leave the rest to Him.
I thank you for your loving generosity and for your commitment to St. Mary’s.
With love in Christ,
Fr. George