Practice Wise Stewardship
By Dan Gregory of Urbandale, IA, USA
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit…” —Luke 12:34–35 NRSV
The autumn after I graduated from college, I eagerly moved to a new city to begin working full-time for the church. I was so excited for all the new experiences that would come with this change from collegiate life.
I would have my own apartment with no roommate for whom to feel responsible. No more people knocking on my dorm room door at 3:00 a.m. to chat. There was a larger and consistent paycheck to spend as I saw fit. And frozen pizzas for one suddenly seemed like a good meal plan. The choices, the space, the schedule—everything about the move felt as if it was celebrating what finally was mine.
Then came the first phone call at 3:00 a.m. asking for ministry. Then the question of how much I should budget for A Disciple’s’ Generous Response. I felt the urge to invite people over to share my sacred space of home. I realized that frozen pizzas were doing nothing for my physical health. Then there was the knock on the door at 1:30 a.m. from the neighbor too drunk to make it safely down the hallway. Slowly I began to remember that each of these elements of my life—time, money, space, health, presence—were not mine to hoard, but my stewardship.
How are we preparing the various facets of our lives for the sake of Christ’s mission? The way we live matters to God and reflects our priorities. Let’s be “dressed for action,” ready to respond whenever opportunity knocks.
Prayer for Peace
God, please interrupt our shallow peace with opportunities to serve. When we find peace, help us share it with others.
Spiritual Practice: Growing a Gracious, Generous Heart
Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a breath prayer. Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share from the overflow of your heart.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will share my time, money, space, health, and presence.
