Matt 13:45,46 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
What does it mean to be a Steward?
By Deedra Hardman
When we had our Stewardship organizing meeting this year, we watched a short video on the “Pearl of Great Price” and then took some time to reflect on it and discuss what it meant to us. It’s a pretty heavy idea to truly believe that all that I have, all that I am, is on loan from God and that we are merely caretakers of those gifts – not owners. And more than that, we are called to put those gifts to work, not just enjoy them for ourselves.
As a banker, I know a little about what it means to take care of the property of other. Of course banks don’t just lock your money away in a vault. We lend it out, we invest it, we make it grow. We help people start a business or buy a home, and then we give an account to our customers and shareholders, letting them know how we did.
Similarly I believe that God did not bless us with our time, talent and treasure so it could be locked away for safekeeping. He calls us to share our blessings, to put them into service for others and to make it grow. Some of us have been blessed with more than others no doubt, but it really doesn’t have anything to do with how much you have. The question for me has always been, how have we put what we do have into service for God?
Also, here are some discussion questions…
For further reflection…
- What’s your initial reaction to the video (positive or negative)? How do you understand or receive its message?
- How does the story in the video expand on the parable? Does it change it’s meaning for you?
- How does the story challenge or expand your thinking about Stewardship? Your motivations for giving?
- What does it say about how we might re-order our lives? Our relationships with each other? Do the implications of this seem overwhelming?
- What does the story say about the importance of prayer?
- What has God's treasure cost you in your life?
I would be very interested in any thoughts or reflections you might wish to share. harrisc@stpaulcathedral.org