LCMS Stewardship Ministry Thoughts

LCMS Stewardship Ministry Thoughts 

1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Grace is God’s undeserved mercy toward us. And what do we have that is not a gift flowing from God’s grace? He gives all these gifts so that we may use them in service toward one another. Chief among the ways we serve one another is to support the church’s work of bringing more of God’s grace to more of God’s people. That’s what it means to be a steward! 

Luke 16:19 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.” This is often called the story of “The Rich Man and Lazarus.” But it should really be called the story of “The Two Rich Men and Lazarus.” The other rich man in this story is Abraham. Obviously, these two men used the gift of riches that God gave them in very different ways. The life and decisions of Abraham flowed from faith; the rich man’s life and choices flowed from disbelief and self-centeredness. Abraham was kind and generous, reflecting his trust in a kind and generous God. And the rich man? Well, you saw what happened to him and what god he served. 

Proverbs 9:9 – “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” We need the Lord’s instruction and wisdom. We just don’t know enough on our own. It seems foolish to the world that Christians drop their hard-earned money into the collection plate every week. The world just doesn’t see a benefit to the preaching of the Word, the administration of the Sacraments, the sending of missionaries, or the educating of children in the faith. But from the Lord’s instruction and wisdom, we know better. Giving teaches us generosity. The work of the church is the salvation of mankind, and we are blessed to be called to participate in it in this way 

Luke 8:37 – “Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So He got into the boat and returned.” The Gerasenes are upset with Jesus because His ministry led to the loss of their pig herd ¾ their wealth. They want Jesus to go away before He does any more damage to their bottom line. Their priorities are clear. What about our priorities? Is the work and ministry of Jesus worthy of our support and the sacrifice of some of our wealth? 

-- From your Stewardship Committee (please contact Mike Kroeger at 832-651-7295 or michael.k.kroeger@gmail.com if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions)