By Sarah Rein
We could explain stewardship, in simple terms, as the way that we manage what God has given to us. The Lord, in His kindness and providence, bestows many things on His children. And His Word says that, if we love Him, He will work everything for our good.
Which begs the question: What is good for us? The world tells us that pursuing what makes us happy and discovering our truest selves are the ultimate good. Actually, I don’t even have to look to the media or society to tell me that. My own sinful heart tempts me to put myself first.
Our school recently had a speaker remind us of Psalm 34:8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” But she pointed out that something good for you might not always taste great. Compared to pizza, arugula might not seem tasty, even though it’s more nourishing. Medicine is bitter compared to candy, but it is far more effective at fighting an infection.
I look around my community, and I see families faced with infertility, job losses, and incurable cancers – many of whom are faithful followers of Christ. In our own home, we face uncertainty about important decisions and worries over our children’s choices. We struggle to trust God with our finances and our future. What loving God would allow these things? One who knows that being transformed into the image of Christ is what is good for us.
Christian, how will you steward what God has given to you? Some of it tastes so sweet. What a generous Father we have who gives us the glory of a sunset, the cheery warmth of a fire with friends around it, or the delight of singing praises with the saints each Sunday. He is the same Father who allows us to face heartache and frustration. Steward all of it well.
Are you in a place of financial abundance, or is your income more limited than you’d like? Use it well. Are you in the little kid years, lugging diaper bags and snacks everywhere, or are you in the teen years that are passing frighteningly quickly? Use them well. Are you relatively healthy and able to serve your church family, or are you plagued by chronic pain or an aging body? Use that well.
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” the protagonist, a hobbit named Frodo, laments to his friend Gandalf the circumstances that have endangered his life and the world he loves. Let Gandalf’s response encourage you to embrace what comes from the hand of your loving God.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
God, help us to manage skillfully all the things You entrust to Your children. May we labor to use wisely the physical resources of time, wealth, and skills. And may we trust You when You use suffering to produce endurance, character, and a hope that does not disappoint.
Sarah Rein and her husband, Trey, are raising their four children in Brandon, where Trey is a school principal and Sarah is home a LOT. Luckily she’s an introvert who enjoys reading and learning about new things and people. The Reins love their church family at Lakeside Presbyterian and coffee.