When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13
“If the stewardship revival is to lift the Church to a new and permanent level of spiritual life, it must be steered between the bald legalism, which can see in Christian stewardship nothing larger than the tithe, and the sophistry of the really insincere man who is ready to acknowledge only with words “All that I have belongs to God.” Of course, the stewardship of the entire life must be the end of the vision…”
Ralph S. Cushman in The New Christian: Studies in Stewardship (New York: Centenary Conservation Committee, Methodist Episcopal Church, 1919) 5.
Today’s Scripture reveals that the Apostle Paul likely shared his scrolls and parchments with Timothy. As one who fancies books and happily shares them, I appreciate texts like this one. Speaking of books, I just acquired this classic for under $10 (shipping included). It’s 98 years old and contains seven stewardship studies. I can’t wait to read them. Today’s post comes from the foreword section of the book.
With eloquence, Cushman calls us to abandon the “bald legalism” of the tithe and the sophistry of the insincere person who acknowledges only with words “All that I have belongs to God.” Alternatively, he exhorts readers to embrace the vision of “stewardship of the entire life.” What about you? Does stewardship touch only a percentage of your life? Are you all talk and no action? Or are you prepared to give an account for the stewardship of your entire life?
Regardless of how each of us started this life, what matters is how we finish. Resolve to finish strong. Perhaps meditate on Psalm 24 today, which starts with the proclamation that God owns everything and maps the pathway to ascending to the mountain of the Lord. Make stewardship of your entire life your vision. Invite others to join you and bring renewal to your church. Like Paul, share books with others on the journey. Prepare together to give an account for your lives to God!