For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:11
“Stewarding God’s creation and the resources entrusted to us means that we can generously share with others whatever blessings we receive. Generosity is an overflow of the steward’s grateful response to God, who freely showers us with daily abundance.
God bestows us with material things for our personal needs, and we can help those who have less in life. Biblical stewardship liberates the stewards and frees them toward generous living and not just generous giving.”
Zenet Maramara (Philippines) in “Biblical Stewardship: The Foundation of All Generosity” in Christ-Centered Generosity: Global Perspectives on the Biblical Call to a Generous Life (Colbert: GGN & KLP) 141.
I’m doing a global webinar with Zenet next week so I read her piece in this great book for inspiration. She also came to mind because of her passion for creation stewardship, and these are sad times in Colorado as wildfires are destroying vast stretches of God’s creation.
She makes an important connection. Don’t miss it. As stewards of God’s creation our job is to care for the earth and all who live in it. He supplies everything. This really does liberate us. It frees us to live and give generously. Our job is to enjoy and “help those who have less.”
And as today’s Scripture notes, this is not optional. It’s a command. When we live this way, He showers abundance. Speaking of showers. God, please send rain on Colorado to help the firefighters put out the fires and save those in harm’s way.