Scripture Reflection-Stewardship Week 3 "Found Faithful with Much"

Found Faithful with Much (Week 3)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44 NRSV)

I have two friends who, in different cities, lead intentional communities: persons who live under one roof, share space, share income, and try to minister in their neighborhood. They do this because they understand all things as a gift from God. They do this because they are trying to live in solidarity with their neighbors who are poor or homeless. 

The early chapters of the New Testament book of Acts tell us of a similar community, with some episodes (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4–5) that seem pretty harsh to us. However, we do not find this pattern of Christian life in the rest of the New Testament. But such communities, both in the first century and now, remind us that we are responsible, as stewards, to be faithful, to use well all that we have, including money.

The life of the small congregation my wife and I are part of has some examples of this. Families share childcare. Someone has a pickup that is always available for moves and errands. Some people get rides to medical appointments. Persons can get financial help for emergencies. An immigrant family is helped to settle.

For reflection
• How do I live out faithfulness in all things?
• How does my congregation live out faithfulness in all things?
• How do I live out faithfulness with the money of which I am steward?
 Hermann Weinlick, writer of the Scripture Meditations/Sermon Starters, is a retired
Moravian pastor. He serves as the ecumenical officer for the Moravian Church in North
America. His work as a free-lance editor includes copy editing the Feasting on the Word
lectionary commentary.