“What brings you closer to God is being in service to others. I think any religion or spiritual way of life will indicate that service to others will lead to a connection with a higher power.” ~ Steve-O
Stewardship is a wonderful concept and something that is important to teach to our children. Stewardship focuses upon our giving back to God in terms of time, talent, and treasure. Too many people hear the word “stewardship” and think that they are going to be asked to give money. Sadly, that is the case because there are many places that focus solely on the component of treasure when promoting stewardship.
Jesus challenged us to love one another and serve one another. He also promised to send us help in order to be able to do so and that help appeared in the form of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us wonderful spiritual gifts so that we can share them with others. God also gives us many material gifts, often an overabundance of gifts, so that we can share those as well.
One of the great mysteries — and extreme joys — of giving is that the more we give, the more we get. That might sound too much like a cliche; however, it is very true. Ask anyone who is involved in sacrificial giving. They will tell you that when they decided to risk donating something to their church or to a good cause, they wondered how there were going to get by. Shortly after doing so, however, they would come into money.
I know that this is true because it has happened to me over and over again as well. Whenever I have made an effort to help someone else, at the expense of my time, I received back in ways unexpected. Whenever I gave money to someone or to a cause and stretched myself thin, I ended up receiving more than I gave.
In those times, it’s almost as if God is testing us to see how far we are willing to go and when He finds us willing to dispense His love through the time we give another or through the aid we provide to another, God gives us more so that we can benefit even more people. In the process, we feel so much better about ourselves. Everyone benefits.
Giving of ourselves — our time, talent, or treasure — benefits others and ourselves and puts us in closer contact and communication with God. How much more could we want?
FAITH ACTION: As much as you are able, do something good for others today. Be of service to someone in need.