(This is an archive column from 2005. Enjoy!)
Looking for the real IT
A friend has been pretty successful in
business, but restless - changing companies every couple of years. As he was
talking about the latest change, he shook his head and looked down. "I don't
know. None of this really is IT." By IT he meant a work that
gives him a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Spiritual emptiness. It's the human race's
number one problem - the root cause of war, addiction, crime, oppression,
greed, gluttony, selfishness and on and on. But in the United States spiritual
emptiness takes on a particularly ironic expression because as a nation we are
wealthy enough and educated enough to have multiple options for almost
everything - and we often choose the one that will give us spiritual
emptiness.
We choose spiritual emptiness whenever we
opt for something we want today, even though we know it will bring us
unhappiness in the long term.
--For example, some people choose unwise
sex because it's what they want now, but then they live with unwanted
pregnancy (or abortion) and a life sentence of sexually transmitted diseases.
Sex is not IT.
--Others choose to eat lots and lots of
fattening food because they want it now, only to live with the consequences of
obesity: shorter life, higher illness, more misery. Food is not IT.
--Still others - like my friend -- choose
careers because they pay well, only to endure emptiness and questioning. Money
is not IT!
Last week the lectionary reading from the
Old Testament addressed this very issue. In Isaiah 55:2, God asks, "Why do you
spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which
does not satisfy?" Why DO we, indeed?
All of this, of course, is a stewardship
issue. In every area of our lives, we need to expend our energies and talents
and time on those things that are "bread," that is, all things that are good
and nourishing of body, mind or soul. And that which truly satisfies --
satisfies our spiritual hungers. Things like church. Humility. Charity.
Generosity. Teaching. Caring for yourself and your family. Loving God with all
your heart, mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself. And that, friends,
is IT!
-Rob Blezard, editor and webmaster
Reprint rights gladly given for nonprofit congregational use. Just print the column without change and include this note: "Copyright (c) 2005, the Rev. Robert Blezard, www.stewardshipoflife.org. Used by Permission."
New This Week:
Stewardship & Philanthropy: The Christian Strategy for Funding Mission
 “While we often talk about stewardship and philanthropy together when we talk about funding mission, they are different concepts,” says Terry Parsons, stewardship officer for the Episcopal Church. Her essay goes on to explain how your congregation can use each to your advantage. Click here for “Stewardship & Philanthropy,” from the Episcopal Church’s Stewardship Resources.
|
Productive Maintenance
 “We are real good about taking care of the family cars and always make it a high priority. If only we had the same attitude about stewardship. Stewardship in our congregations also needs our attention on a regular basis,” says Tuck Aaker, stewardship columnist for the ELCA, who goes on to tell you how. Click here for “Productive Maintenance,” from ELCA Stewardship.
|
LCMS Stewardship Emphasis 2007
 This is a mother lode of resources for a congregation looking to sharpen its stewardship program this year. It offers four Bible studies, sermon notes and a faith promise that you can download and adapt for your own congregation’s needs. Click here for “Stewardship Emphasis 2007, from |
June 25 - July 1, 2007