Hey Church Family! Let's talk about something super important, but maybe not always the most "trending" topic: stewardship. Yeah, we're talking about how we manage everything God's given us. But trust me, it's way more than just tithing. It's about leveling up your whole life, and it's a core part of what we believe as Seventh-day Adventists.
So, why should we care about stewardship? We're busy with school, work, relationships, and trying to figure out our place in the world. It can feel like there's no time to think about managing anything beyond our next deadline or social media feed. But here's the thing: God's entrusted us with some serious resources, and how we use them actually matters.
More Than Money: A Holistic View
In our church, stewardship isn't just about the cash in your wallet. It's a holistic concept that covers everything:
- Time: That precious commodity we never seem to have enough of. Are we using it wisely, or letting it slip away scrolling through endless feeds?
- Talents: That unique skill or passion you have? It's a gift from God. How are you using it to serve others and glorify Him?
- Health: Our bodies are temples, right? Are we taking care of them with good food, exercise, and rest?
- Relationships: Our connections with family, friends, and our community are valuable. Are we investing in them?
Why It Matters: Connecting with God
Think of stewardship as a way to connect with God on a deeper level. When we recognize that everything we have comes from Him, it changes our perspective. It moves us from a mindset of ownership to one of gratitude and responsibility.
- Trust and Surrender: When we give back a portion of what we have, whether it's our time, money, or talents, we're demonstrating our trust in God's provision.
- Purpose and Meaning: Using our gifts to serve others brings a sense of purpose that goes beyond fleeting trends or worldly success.
- Character Development: Learning to be responsible with what we have builds character, discipline, and a sense of integrity.
Stewardship in the Real World
Okay, so how do we actually apply this in our daily lives?
- Budget Your Time: Prioritize time with God, family, and meaningful activities. Don't let social media or distractions steal your precious hours.
- Discover Your Gifts: Explore your talents and find ways to use them to serve your church and community. Maybe you're a great musician, a tech whiz, or a natural leader.
- Make Healthy Choices: Fuel your body with good food, get enough sleep, and stay active. You'll feel better, think clearer, and have more energy to pursue your goals.
- Invest in Relationships: Make time for meaningful conversations, offer support to those who need it, and build strong connections.
- Tithing and Offerings: Giving back 10% of our income to tithe and 2-5% toward your local church or ministry is a tangible way to acknowledge God's provision and support His work.
It's a Journey, Not a Destination
Stewardship isn't about being perfect.It's about making conscious choices and growing in our relationship with God. We'll make mistakes, but we can always ask for forgiveness and start again.
So, let's challenge ourselves to be good stewards of everything God's given us. Let's level up our lives by using our time, talents, and resources to make a difference in the world. And let's remember that true fulfillment comes from serving God and others.
