The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stewardship as “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”
Furthermore, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops defines a Christian steward as one who “receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.”
But what is the ultimate point of stewardship? Answering “why” is the more important – and more difficult to grasp – concept of stewardship.
Why should we be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure? Perhaps it makes us feel good to help others or because it’s “the right thing to do.” I’m sure that is part of it, but I believe it goes deeper than that. The answer, while rather simple on paper, can be difficult to execute in our daily lives.
We are to be good stewards and live a life of stewardship because that is what God is calling us to do.
Don’t take it from me, though. God has been calling us to live this way since the very beginning, and Jesus teaches us to follow His sacrificial example throughout His ministry:
“The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.” (Gen 2:15)
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” (Mt 19:21)
We are not just asked to live a life of stewardship, we are led by example – by God Himself – in the ultimate expression of stewardship. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
That is an unbelievable thing – that God would give away His most precious gift to us out of love. Just think about that in your heart for a moment.
Stewardship is not a one-and-done deal. Truly living a life of stewardship means having a willingness to take a lifelong journey that is not an event but a conversion process. It’s not always easy, but there is help along the way.
The first step is taking the time to discern exactly what and where our gifts of time, talent and treasure lie. The next step is asking how He would like us to give those gifts to Him and others. The final step is being cognizant of what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do to put our personal gifts into action.
As humans, we will at times veer off course and when we do, review those steps to get centered. Just as the saying goes: “lather, rinse and repeat.” He is always with us and will help guide us – if we do our part.
All we have been given and all that we are is a gift from God. When we give those gifts back to Him, the more everyone is blessed. It is what God is truly calling us to do to help build His Kingdom here on Earth.
The definition of stewardship is not difficult to find, but the important question for each of us to answer personally can only be found deep in our hearts.
How and why do you want your stewardship journey to be defined?
Ryan Murray is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro and lives in Greensboro with his wife Janel and two sons, Emerson and Brayden.