Pine trees almost completely surround our property. I must spray fifty deciduous trees against caterpillars each spring in the usable lawn area. In the fall, I rake for three months, at least five days a week, making three or four daily trips to the convenience center (dump). It’s a lot of work.
In the summer, we cut and weed-whack about two and a half acres of lawn. That, too, is a lot of work. However, neither my wife nor I would trade the labor for anything because we believe the work keeps us healthy. I can eat almost anything and maintain a healthy weight with all the exercise.
It’s important to care for what God has given us, from our bodies to our possessions. Over twenty years ago, I wrote the thesis for my master’s degree. The topic was stewardship. I titled the paper, “Called to Serve.” The theme entailed caring for what God has given us, from possessions to our faith.
Most of us already know how to care for our possessions, but perhaps not our faith. Doing so involves more than just going to church. That’s not enough for me. I feel as if my faith is slipping if I don’t care for it. I must regularly be in the Word at home and in a formal Bible study. I need to pay attention to my financial responsibilities to the church and to those in need. I should also be active in providing service to others.
If we’re going to own our faith, we must put in the time because our faith is a gift from God. We all need to take it seriously. After all, when much is given, much is required.
Be a good steward of God’s resources, including your faith.
Carl Schleede is a writer.