Scripture
There are many lives waiting to hear the redeeming words of the
gospel, or to be lifted from hopelessness by the hands of loving servants.
But they will be lost to you without the generous response of disciples
who share from their own bounty that others may know the joys of the
kingdom.—Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a
Reflection
Stewardship encompasses our responsibility to the earth and each
other. Doctrine and Covenants 162 calls us to evaluate our stewardship and
become generous disciples. This text helps us understand that we are 100
percent God’s. Everything we have and everything we are comes from God. We
have been given the responsibility to care for it. What we do with these
blessings is our response to what God did for us in Christ.
A Disciple’s Generous Response is articulated in these six principles:
- A disciple practices generosity as a spiritual discipline in
response to God’s grace and love.
- A disciple is faithful in response to Christ’s ministry.
- A disciple’s financial response, while unique to individual
circumstances, expresses love of God, neighbor, creation, and oneself.
- A disciple shares generously through tithing so that others may
experience God’s generosity.
- A disciple saves wisely in order to create a better tomorrow for
self, family, the church’s mission, and the world.
- A disciple spends responsibly as a commitment to live in health
and harmony with God and the world (http://www.CofChrist.org/generosity/).
These principles encompass every aspect of our lives and illustrate
what is expected of us in the formation of good stewardship of our bodies,
minds, and creation. How will we respond to God’s call?
Action
Beside the six principles above, jot down notes about your generosity
as a disciple. Make a pledge to act on any direction you glean from your
notes.
Prayer
Ask God for direction in understanding your generous response. Pray
for a softened heart and awareness of the needs around you. Sing or read
“Soften My Heart” (Sing a New Song, 47) as a prayer.
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