David Bahn – Reflections

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

It is difficult to dismiss the importance of caring for our earth when you see beautiful vistas such as the mountain lake above. Taken near Dillon, Colorado, it was the sight of a family vacation in 2006. Everyone was there – except for our most recent family additions: James (grandson) and Cat (Steve’s wife). The beauty of that part of the world is striking; we do well to be good stewards of the land, water and air.

Family is another sacred trust. What a joy for us to be all together. That may be brought even more close to home as we face what appears to be a worsening of Nici’s (Matt’s wife) condition. Having battled cancer for nearly 5 years, her condition recently worsened. We will be facing the inevitable visitation of mortality with her very soon. Recently many of us were able to see her – even enjoying a nice afternoon on the patio at her parents’ home in Weatherford, Texas. A sacred trust – family – faithfully to be used, enjoyed, and appreciated.

Our love for Nici makes it even more clear that the Good News of Jesus Christ – the Gospel – is also a sacred trust. In Jesus we have forgiveness for all the times we failed as stewards of family or environment: whether by act or failure to act. In Jesus we have the hope of the resurrection in the face of death. In Jesus we have the promise of prayers heard and answered – though sometimes the answers are difficult to see or accept. This Gospel is a sacred trust.

We are faithful stewards or trustees of these treasures of Gospel, family and environment (read: “time, space, breath and life on earth”) when we do three simple things. There may be more, but these three seem best to summarize what God desires of our stewardship:

1. Receive the blessings as the gift they are. That’s what faith does; it receives the gifts of God and holds them dear and precious.
2. Appreciate, value, and hold in high regard these gifts. It’s too easy to take things for granted, whether it is family, grace, or life itself. Thanksgiving ought not be a single-day event on the calendar, but a way of life. We must see these things as a sacred trust from God – of high value.
3. Honor the Giver by the way we use these gifts. When we love one another, take the time to be together, worship the creator, and share the grace we have received with one another, we use these gifts well. When we ignore family, pollute the environment (I’m not suggesting a political bent here), or hold grudges and refuse to forgive we show ourselves to be faithless stewards.

We have a sacred trust from God, which requires us to be faithful.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit for the water of life. Open my eyes to see someone who needs this gift and to invite them to satisfy their thirst in Christ my Lord. Amen.