Developing Our Gifts
A second aspect of stewardship is the way we respect and develop gifts and then return them to God. We know and love God initially through God's work of creation, and for this reason the Bible begins by telling stories of God's creative actions. The priestly creation account recorded in Genesis remind us of the goodness of God's creation and in the role that humankind was given in caring for that creation (Gen. 1:26-2:4a). This is the work of stewardship:
God wishes human beings to be his collaborators in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification; and such collaboration involves stewardship in the most profound sense—. [USCCB, Stewardship: A Disciple's Response, 25.]
While those who followed other gods made static idols to represent them, the Hebrew people were not allowed to do the same for theirs. Their active, creative God could not be adequately represented by something inactive. God created living, breathing, active humans in the divine image and likeness to collaborate with God in continuing the work of creation. The work we do in our occupations and "ordinary everyday activities" is the way we share in the Creator's work. [John Paul II, Laborem Exercens, 25]
After receiving God's gifts gratefully, a steward will nurture and tend them responsibly. Many gifts may degrade if they are not cared for, but may be developed with some attention. This step suggests asking the question, "What is God's intention for this gift?" A talent for musicianship or counseling could be developed into a greater capability. A home should be maintained in a responsible manner, rather than allowing it to fall in disrepair (and later require more resources to restore). A steward's role is as manager, rather than owner.
In particular, the earth itself and all of its resources should be cared for responsibly. The growing field of ecotheology explores the faith basis for this, beginning in the creation narratives and including a prominent role for Franciscan theologians. The most basic starting point is recognition that all creation is good (Gen. 1:31) and essentially sacred. Francis of Assisi recognized an interrelatedness of all creation—animate and inanimate—and embraced fully mutual kinship with other creatures. He saw Christ present throughout the natural world, and came to know and love God through creation. These values challenge us to work for environmental justice, protecting biodiversity, working against global warming, and not subordinating the rest of creation to human priorities.
A number of Christian organizations have been based on the connection between faith and the environment. The Episcopal-sponsored Regeneration Project has encouraged hundreds of congregations to educate their members on environmental issues, conduct energy audits and make energy efficiency improvements to their facilities, purchase and utilize renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support "green" public policies. The Web of Creation website offers resources for integrating respect and care for creation in worship and religious education, as well as overall action plans for congregations.
Our response to God's gifts includes returning them abundantly, another way to love God.
After receiving God's gifts gratefully, a steward will nurture and tend them responsibly. Many gifts may degrade if they are not cared for, but may be developed with some attention. This step suggests asking the question, "What is God's intention for this gift?" A talent for musicianship or counseling could be developed into a greater capability. A home should be maintained in a responsible manner, rather than allowing it to fall in disrepair (and later require more resources to restore). A steward's role is as manager, rather than owner.
In particular, the earth itself and all of its resources should be cared for responsibly. The growing field of ecotheology explores the faith basis for this, beginning in the creation narratives and including a prominent role for Franciscan theologians. The most basic starting point is recognition that all creation is good (Gen. 1:31) and essentially sacred. Francis of Assisi recognized an interrelatedness of all creation—animate and inanimate—and embraced fully mutual kinship with other creatures. He saw Christ present throughout the natural world, and came to know and love God through creation. These values challenge us to work for environmental justice, protecting biodiversity, working against global warming, and not subordinating the rest of creation to human priorities.
A number of Christian organizations have been based on the connection between faith and the environment. The Episcopal-sponsored Regeneration Project has encouraged hundreds of congregations to educate their members on environmental issues, conduct energy audits and make energy efficiency improvements to their facilities, purchase and utilize renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support "green" public policies. The Web of Creation website offers resources for integrating respect and care for creation in worship and religious education, as well as overall action plans for congregations.
Our response to God's gifts includes returning them abundantly, another way to love God.
We are not limited to our initial giving in returning God's gifts, but are also encouraged to give back to God after we have developed our gifts. The tithe is meant to convey a minimum return to God, rather than a maximum. We are to give with a spirit of abundance grounded in a recognition that God will provide for our needs. This return of gifts as a final step reinforces that we are not owners, and these gifts are not ours to keep. This aspect of stewardship also questions the culturally ingrained values of private inheritance, which keep resources locked up so they can be passed through generations of a single family and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
