What is the goal of our stewardship? This is really the why question of stewardship. Human beings were created for the task of being stewards. Read Genesis chapters one and two and we will see this. We were created to have dominion and subdue creation in a way that reflects the image of God in which we were created. This takes place in the way that we work and keep the creation entrusted to us by God.

The only problem we have with stewardship is found in Genesis chapter three. There, in an act of rebellion and sin, stewards named Eve and Adam claimed ownership over that which God had created them to steward. We have a word for claiming ownership over something that belongs to another. That word is theft. But they were stealing more than a fruit. They were stealing God’s place and God’s glory! Ever since that fateful day in the garden, we have followed suit. What God has given us to steward, we have attempted to own.

So, God once again shows His glory in establishing the eternal purpose of Jesus Christ. In going to the cross, Jesus restores us in forgiveness to the task of once again stewarding what God has given us. Forgiven and restored in Jesus, we are once again stewards. Not just of creation, but of the Gospel as it is served by creation, including us!

Today we pray again that we would be able to recognize the simple gifts the Lord has given us to steward for the sake of the Gospel. In this, we make known the manifold wisdom of God. As we faithfully steward the simple gifts God has entrusted to us, we point people to the redemption and restoration of our stewardship through Jesus Christ. Remember, the world sees Jesus through your stewardship. What are you showing the world in how you steward God’s simple gifts?

_{©2019 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used with permission.}