When you think about stewardship, what is the first thing that pops in your mind? Money. Right! But, why? Surely you know and I know that stewardship ain’t (yes, I know “ain’t” isn’t proper grammar, and I really debated on whether to use this non-word at all, but it does get one’s attention, huh?) all about money.
Then why have I been living like it is? Why do most of us live like it is? All about money I mean.
Oh, I can squeeze a budget; find the best price on any product in town. I [almost] never pay full price for anything and seldom make a purchase without a coupon. I repurpose, reuse and recycle. I even DIY. I save my family lots of money every month, and thousands every year.
That makes me a wise and faithful steward right?
♦Even though I have a load of towels sitting on my couch that’s been waiting to be folded all week?
♦Even though I’ve been procrastinating a DIY bed painting project that’s left my daughters sleeping on mattresses on the floor for…a year?
♦Even though my Christmas tree once stayed up until May? Seriously! Undecorated but still up nonetheless.
♦Even though God has laid numerous ideas for meaningful, inspirational posts about Stewardship at Home on my heart, but I daily misuse my time and I haven’t written one of them?
♦Even though I’ve gained 20 pounds of flab in the last three years because of poor food choices and lack of physical activity?
♦Even though I can’t do even ONE push up, or go on a bike ride with my kids?
♦Even though I sit down to “check my email or Facebook” and somehow lose hours of valuable time?
I think you see where I’m going with this.
Faithful stewardship is not all about money. It is about disciplining every area of my (your) life, every material possession, every blessing seen or unseen, and every resource within our reach so that it brings glory to God. It’s living intentionally in all areas of life as a whole, not compartmentalizing.
I have not been a faithful steward. I really need to get my ducks in a row. You?
But let’s not be too hard on ourselves and forget grace. Let’s be grateful for a patient and loving Heavenly Father who shows us our shortcomings and then meets us right where we are with the strength to overcome. Let’s be grateful for the help He gives to be doers rather than just hearers.
So I continue the journey, one small but effective step at a time. Will you join me?
Thank you for this post. The Lord really has a way of getting our attention-doesn’t He? I too have been praying about things and He has been faithful to show me my sins and shortcomings and how true that He’s also faithful to help me overcome! Such peace and joy though knowing when I’m doing things His way and for His glory.
Great post! We all need this reminder. I’m going through a very similar process right now and have taken a step back from all the deal posting in order to re-evaluate the mission of my blog. I never intended to be all about coupons, but gradually I found I didn’t have time to write about anything else. I know God wants me to communicate a bigger message than that (and also wants me to remember that my own family comes first). Thanks for the scripture reference. Ephesians 5 especially hit home for me. Love your blog and your heart, by the way. 🙂