Stewardship is often misunderstood

To some, it’s a fund drive, to others a bothersome reminder that they “owe” the church money.  Stewardship is not just about money.  It is the three-fold trinity of Time, Talents and Treasure. Our Orthodox faith is based on the word of God; Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. Everything we believe and do, our way of life, is governed by these tenets. Stewardship is an act of love, devotion and worship of God, which He has communicated through the Holy Scriptures. Why be a steward of the church?  The answer quite simply is because God said so.

Time  Why must we give of our time? God expected when he created us, that we would serve him. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10.  Are you giving enough time to God?

Talents  God has blessed each of us with different talents. In the book of Romans, St. Paul tells us “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us, “ Ro 12:6.  I encourage you to identify your talents and use them for the glory of God.

Treasure  Why are we asked to give to the church? In Deut. 16:17 God clearly states; “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you. He explicitly tells us how much: “A tithe of everything from the land belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Every tenth sheep that passes under the Shepherd’s rod – will be holy to the Lord. Lev. 27:30. (10%). God also reminds us that we are to give to him first “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops” Prv 3:9. St Paul assured us that God will meet our needs. “Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

2 Cor: 6-8.  Are you giving to God first?

At this time I ask you to carefully consider your stewardship to the Church.  I ask each of you to examine your own hearts. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ for guidance. Give of your time, talents and treasure as your individual act of love, devotion and worship of God.

With love in the Lord,