“Deny ourselves!”

Jesus tells us that we must be willing to “hate our life in this world to keep it for eternal life”.  Dying to self is an essential element of discipleship and we can trust that it is good for us! Elsewhere in the Gospels Jesus says we must “deny ourselves” to be one of his followers.

Dying to self is an essential element of discipleship and we can trust that it is good for us!

How does any of this play a role in stewardship? It’s simple; stewardship declares that my life, and my possessions, are not mine; they are gifts given to me by our good and gracious God. Christian Stewards deny any self-confident pride in their accomplishments in this world and give all the credit to God. Stewardship places Christ at the center of how I choose to share and use my gifts. Stewardship is living Christ-centered, not self-centered in this life to keep our eternal reward. Moreover, Jesus promised an abundant life here and now. (John 10:10) Admitting that I utterly depend upon God for all that I have and all that I am is very freeing. To be a steward is not to hoard my life, but to live it joyfully and generously! This is the abundant life we are created for.