The S Word # 5

STEWARDSHIP IN A NEW LIGHT

By Douglas Hambidge #5

“As I reflected on this parable I saw myself and stewardship in a new light. I had known about tithing, and had practiced it since my confirmation. I saw this as the Christian norm. I also knew that my Christian life was meant to be much more than what I did on Sundays, and that it must touch the rest of the week too. I was well aware that Christian service was expected of me, so I happily engaged in Sunday school teaching. But that was as far as it went. Now, in the light of this parable, I had to think again.

I may not like the idea, but I have to think of myself as one of the slaves. What I said earlier about slaves applies to me:

I belong to God---I have called you by name, you belong to me (Isaiah 43; 1) and God owns me---“You were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6; 20)

My life and every aspect of it are in God’s hands. I have nothing that is truly mine. I have nothing with which to negotiate my relationship with God.

“We brought nothing into this world, so that we can take nothing out…” (1 Timothy 6; 7); and
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return…”Job 1; 21).

Everything I have has been entrusted to me; not 10% but all of it---my time, my energies and resources. Ownership has not been abdicated. It has all been entrusted to me for God’s benefit, and God anticipates a return on the investment.

These issue is not, “Do I have as much as others?” but rather,”What am I doing with what I have?”

What holds me back from this perspective? Is it the fear of failure, or the fear of risk-taking? Maybe if God had given me more I might do more.

I might argue that no matter how much money I give, there will always be those who give more. As for my skills and abilities, I know these to be less significant than many around me. Of course I could give more time, but life is so busy, and I never have time for myself anyway. It all sounds sadly familiar. I daresay Slave Number Three tried all of these arguments, and they didn’t work for him either.

I see now that what is needed is not a new excuse, but a new attitude summed up in this way:

It all belongs to God.
Whatever I have or am or do, I hold in trust.
I will make what I have and am and do count for God’s benefit.
It may not be much, but it will be all that I have.”