This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER


The Three T’s of Stewardship


BY BILL MUSTARD DIRECTOR OF PARTNER RELATIONS


“stewardship” in this first issue of the year. What is stewardship? Well, a steward is a manager, and a ship is one of those big boats that floats in the ocean. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Essentially, a steward is someone who handles affairs for someone else. In ancient kingdoms, stewards ran the country in the absence of the king. Upon the king’s return, the steward gave a full accounting for his actions. Even when the king was present, the steward often handled the daily affairs of the kingdom. However, a steward did not own the kingdom—and the king determined when and how long a steward would serve him. Someone who is a good steward of money is someone who manages money well. But God’s call is for us to be good stewards of more than just money. Often when we think of stewardship, we only think of treasure. But, ultimately, He wants us to be good stewards of our time, our tal- ent … and our treasure.


S Time


The gift of time is just that—a gift. None of us knows exactly how much time we have been granted on this earth, so we need to use our time effectively in continu- ing the mission of Yeshua (Jesus) while we still have time. Each day has 24 hours and consists of time at work, time at rest, and time with family and friends. God asks us to be good stewards (managers) for each of these areas of our lives. While many of us cannot control “the what” of what we do at work, we can control our interaction with


22 | Jewish Voice Today JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011


ince this column falls under the cate- gory “Stewardship Corner,” I thought it appropriate to define the term


colleagues, customers, employees, employ- ers, and others. Being a good steward of what we do at work includes managing our attitude and making sure that whatever we do, that we do it “as unto the Lord.” At home and in our time with family


and friends we become good stewards by managing our time in a balanced way . . . and sometimes that means turning off the TV or computer and spending quality time with God. Sometimes—and please don’t shoot me for saying this!—that might occa- sionally mean one less trip to church so that we can spend more quality time with our family. Finally, does God have your highest priority of time? Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you.”


Talent


Those who are skilled in trades or have professional abilities are gifted with talents that can support not only a church, but also charitable works throughout the commu- nity. Your use of talent for the work of God is one of the most personally fulfilling opportunities of your lifetime. I know of a chef who volunteers her talents and skills at a Rescue Mission (can you imagine the delight of the homeless clients?) and an accountant who volunteers to do tax returns for elderly members of her congregation. Start today by sharing your talents.


Treasure


Our society has become consumed with material goods, yet God has called us to use our resources to build His Kingdom.


Matthew 6:19-21 tells us not to store up for ourselves treasures here on earth, but to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. We are the ones who do the storing, the question is, which storehouse do we use? Our own moth- and rust-ridden one, or God’s eternal storehouse? In his book The Treasure Principle, author Randy Alcorn says, “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” For Believers, I encourage giving to causes that build the Kingdom of God. There are lots of non-Believers to fund non-sacred causes. Finally, stewardship is discipleship. It is the care and use of all that we have been given by God that truly makes us successful managers of God’s resources. If you aren’t already following the three T’s of steward- ship, it’s never too late to start. Begin today by prayerfully considering


this new year how you can join us in our mission to take the Gospel to the Jew first and also the Nations. Now, more than ever, we need your prayer and financial support. If you wish to give online, simply go to www.jewishvoice.org/give.


May God increase your provision and peace as you seek to serve Him and His People with all that you are and all that you have.


Jewish Voice Gift Planning Specialists can help you create an estate plan. Contact us at:


602-971-8501 or email: bmustard@jvmi.org.


www.JewishVoiceToday.org


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28