Stewardship - March 2008

In March we will celebrate a “new spring into our steps.”  On March 20th we will welcome the season of spring.  It is a reminder to us that the days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer and the expectation is for the earth to once again be fruitful and provide food for all God’s creatures.

 

The 23rd day of March—Easter Sunday—will put an even greater “spring into our steps.”  As we join with other Christians in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord we know that the best is yet to come. Because Jesus lives, we too shall live.  Like the rest of nature in the springtime we will also produce Christian fruits.  That is what Christian stewardship is all about—responding to God’s love in Christ and bringing forth the fruits of faith.

 

The resurrection of Jesus does a whole lot more than “simply putting a spring into our steps.”  It gives us the assurance that we can live our daily lives with Easter hope and joy.  We can say much the same as what  St. Paul wrote about to the Philippians: “For to me to live, is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.  Yet, what shall I choose?  I do not know!  I am torn between the two:  I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” (1:21-26)

 

Paul knew for certain that because of his faith in the resurrection of our Lord he was a saved child of God.  He was ready to leave this life with all its toil and labor and enter into everlasting peace and joy with all the communion of saints.   But Paul recognized that Jesus left him here on earth to be His instrument to touch the lives of other people in a way that makes an eternal difference!

 

What an encouragement for us!  Our lives do make a difference!  We, like St.Paul, are also instruments in the hands of Jesus to touch the lives of others in a way that makes an eternal difference.  Since we have the sure hope in the resurrection of the body unto life everlasting we know that while the best is yet to come, we must also remember that what we do here and now is important.

 

God blesses us so that we might bring glory to Him and good things for others.  As we manage all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes we demonstrate that we are fruitful stewards.  When we freely and generously give of our time, money and talents we show that our life is about more than having—it is about  giving!

 

May the joy and victory of Easter be reflected in your stewardship!