Much of the reason why so many people today live lives that are meager, unfulfilled, and empty has to do with this concept of stewardship.
Stewardship is a term that isn’t heard much these days. While the use of the word seems a little outdated, the concept can be considered timeless. Stewardship can be closely related to responsibility, a concept that never goes out of style. A life based on stewardship, and more specifically taking responsibility, is one of the core principles of living the RichLife.
Those individuals who push through each day at top speed doing as much as is possible, to gain (accumulate) as much as is possible may be missing the key to living a truly RichLife. (A fulfilled life.)
Ask yourself this question: Do you view your talents and physical possessions as something you own and are entitled to? Or as special gifts that have been entrusted to your keeping? The latter describes a person who understands stewardship. Interestingly enough, the root word for stewardship is keeper.
The irresponsible person will not respect their own talents and giftings, nor will they take responsibility to perfect them. That will be true then in most every facet of that person’s life. We see this happening every day in the lives of those around us. People are focused on accumulating a certain amount of money. Or on accumulating a certain number of possessions. Or on simply getting through the month with enough money to make it. Even the thought of stewardship is seldom considered.
Once a person changes his mindset over to a stewardship philosophy, it changes everything. It changes how that person thinks, serves, communicates and produces. That person will be serious about learning his purpose in this life and take the needed steps to live out that purpose.
While stewardship includes money, it definitely is not at the top of the list. It’s a fact that when the principles of stewardship come into play, finances nearly always increase.
What an interesting concept. I’d love to hear more about your philosophy of stewardship and it’s principles. Please write more when you can!
Thanks,
Lily
Great concept. It puts into words what I have always believed.
This is a big message Beau! Purpose in one’s life will also keep people going when times get tough…
Thanks for such a meaningful post….. (and reminder) 🙂
This is a very timely message – thanks so much for sharing it!
Well said Beau! A wonderful philosophy for parents to pass on to their children…what a different world it would be.
This defiantly gives you something to think about – people are in such a hurry they don’t stop and think much any more. We are a fast nation and finding who you are and your talents and goals are gives you something to look at and move towards
It is so true! Sometimes when we are trying to achieve something or think we need help from the outside, we are just forgetting to look within and around us.
This is a great post Beau. We just had a conversation at Church about this. The LACK of stewardship is one of the biggest obstacles in the US today. People feel entitled …it is a ME…ME…ME… conversation. When you flip that around and start saying YOU…YOU…YOU… and you take on being your brother’s keeper … EVERYTHING changes !! We are the ones that have been charged with serving others and this world with the gifts that our Creator has given us so that we can all live a joy-full life here !! Blessings to you ~ Rose
I’ve often thought that real life is upside down from what is considered “normal” life…. and stewardship vs. ownership is one of those principles that is vital to experiencing abundant life…. thanks for reminding us Beau!
What an interesting perspective as I think I have mostly thought of stewardship in relationship to money. I am sure many people, when they are downplaying or denying their talents don’t realize how this effects them. I definitely feel that I have been entrusted with all that I have been given rather than the mindset of what is owed to me. I only wish others would take the same idea on as I am sure they would feel better about life.
Sharon
http://www.sharonworsley.com/blog
I’ve found that money, time, energy, and relationships are all things that we have to be good stewards with. This is a foundation piece to ensure a truly rich, successful, balanced life on purpose.