managing god's affaris
"He called in his servants and handed his funds over to them." —Matthew 25:14
The Lord calls us to stewardship of every detail in our lives. We are stewards of the money, possessions, time, talents, gifts, opportunities, and relationships which He has entrusted to us. Stewardship is not merely an aspect of our lives; it covers our whole lives. For instance, God expects us to be good stewards of the length of time He intends us to live. If we cut years off of our lives by smoking, drinking, overeating, or worrying, we aren't good stewards. If He has given us a three-bedroom house and/or a finished basement, we should be using these to offer hospitality and to build Christian community. If we have a car, the Lord expects us to use it for His kingdom — at least much of the time. For example, try not to come to Church with the back seats of your car empty. Isn't watching TV for a few minutes or an hour often bad stewardship of the time God has given us? Is your marriage being used to further God's kingdom? Are you using your natural and spiritual gifts to the fullest? Have you tried to discover your spiritual gifts? This is also part of good stewardship.
The Lord wants to say to you: "Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant. Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share Your Master's joy!" (Mt 25:21) By faith, accept God's grace to be a good steward always and in all things.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the privilege of managing some of Your affairs.
Promise: "He chose the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God." —1 Cor 1:28-29
Praise: Fr. Tony took over a parish with $700,000 of debt. Without having any fund-raisers, but just by raising faith in the parish, the parish was set free from debt by Easter eight months later.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012
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