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August 22, 2007
Wedding rings and stewardship
I had the privledge of performing the marriage ceremony for my sister-in-law and my new brother in law. As most couples do, they gave each other wedding rings. During the ceremony, there is a part where I explain that the wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible commitment to each other.
As I was reflecting on this event, it occured to me that stewardship is much like a wedding ring. Being a good steward is an outward expression of our inward commitment to follow the life example of Jesus. And such outward expressions come in measurable forms. The most notable is money. But it also encompases time and talents.
If we aren't using our time wisely or giving our time in service to each other through the larger ministry of the church, then we aren't being a good steward. If we aren't developping and using the talents that we have to benefit the kingdom of God, then we aren't being good stewards. And if we aren't using our money (100%--not just 10%) in such a way that honors the reality that it's his money in the first place, then we aren't being good stewards.
And if we're not being good stewards, then it speaks to a lack of integrity in our commitment to follow Christ to the Cross.
Such is a married man or woman who bears the sign of that forever commitment through the wearing of the wedding ring and yet acts as if the commitment was never made.
Both are behaviors that originate within our inner beings--our heart and motives.
Posted by bstroup at August 22, 2007 2:16 AM
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