In March we observe the beginning of spring. As the trees and bushes bud, the grass starts to turn green and the soil takes on a smell of new life, we look forward to the beginning of a new cycle with warmer weather and a new start for seedtime and harvest.

Sometimes as God’s stewards we may feel that stewardship is more of the same old, same old. But, just as spring starts a new cycle of life, so also Easter with its joy and celebration starts a new cycle of life for us as God’s stewards. During the reflective season of Lent we look forward to the joy and celebration of Easter. This is a great reminder that we are “Easter people”—that is, people of hope. Hope is stronger than memory. Memory mostly makes us think about past failures, unfulfilled promises, frustration and disappointment. Hope refreshes us with a new start, not just at springtime, but every new day.

During Lent we reflect on the extravagant love of Jesus as He went all the way to the cross and death as the perfect sacrifice for our sins and failures. Philippians 2 reminds us: “Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

One day every knee will bow before Christ, even the knees of those who did not believe in Him, and confess Him as Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who did not believe will fall to their knees when they see Jesus coming in glory and then go away to everlasting sorrow. Our knees and the knees of all believers will bow in humble adoration and our voices will proclaim “How great Thou art!”

Just as the earth comes back to life in springtime, we are renewed day by day to live as God’s redeemed stewards who freely and joyfully manage all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes. This new life is not boring! It is exciting to experience God’s power in our lives and look for opportunities in which we can manage our time, talents, relationships and financial resources in a way that honors Him and provides so many blessings to others and ourselves.

Let’s “spring” to new life as God’s redeemed stewards who, in cooperation with and encouragement from fellow redeemed stewards, manage all that we are and have to God’s glory!

Saint John’s Stewardship Board promotes the development of good stewardship and giving patterns among the members of Saint John’s.