STEWARDSHIP: Trusting, Sharing and Receiving

As part of my goal setting exercise, my husband and I spent a few sessions this week planning our activities for the year, our schedules, our dreams, goals and our budget.

These planning sessions gave us a sense of hope, openness, excitement and brought us a little closer together.  What struck me is that last year, we have actually given away more than ten percent of our net income.  In the developed world, taxes can be between 30 – 48 percent. So, in our community in this part of the world, when we talk about stewardship, people always ask about tithing ten percent of your wage, whether it is before or after tax. Well, the difference is really not that much. You may give a bit less or a bit more.

So, my belief is that it is up to you how much you give.  As it is said in the scriptures,

"Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down,

shaken together and running over,

will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use,

it will be measured to you."  (Luke 6:38)

What is really important is that we just do not donate to charities when there is a need, such as floods, fire or earthquake. As God is consistently generous with us, we should also give regularly. We give because we want to share our blessings. Our income is a huge blessing.  Our time and our skills are also blessings. Our health, relationships and other resources are also blessings.

It is expensive to live.  There will always be bills to pay.  However, if we trust in God and share our blessings with others, He assures us that it will be given back to us a hundred fold.

And as we give, we are helping in spreading the world’s wealth around.  Let us do our share, no matter how little.

Have the best year ever!

Ros