Sunday, November 7, 2010
Benevolence vs. Stewardship
Prof. Tom Crisp of Biola spoke at Grace LB on proper benevolence in light of Jesus’ teaching. It provided thought for my thesis on Stewardship. How do we steward wealth? We all know we should spend less and give more . . . But who is teaching the church that we have a responsibility and duty to appropriately obtain, possess, and direct wealth in a manner that causes personal, community and global flourishing? Which is easier or more biblical . . . to be thrifty and give to charity, or become a missional steward of all of life? Is asceticism and charitable benevolence the highest spiritual discipline? Or could perhaps Dallas Willard be on to something when he says, ". . . understanding that possession and right rule over material wealth is a spiritual service of the highest order." (1988: 203) Powerful. But equally challenging is that those who do so, have the right and duty to speak into the social, economic, and political processes in order to steward the appropriate use of the world's wealth and goods for the lessening of the need for that benevolence. Is what you practice benevolence or stewardship?
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This is the 1st time I've read this blog so forgive me on my loose definition of Stewardship (which you've probably defined in earlier entries). When I think of stewardship I think of my responsiblity to take care of our natural resources and surrounding envirnoment. So if I think of it in terms of wealth, I guess I would think of it as my responsiblity to wisely utilize "my wealth" (if I had any wealth). Which could be used in a benevolent manner. When I think of benevolence I think of more than just money. I could help my neighbors carry in the grocery's. I could volunteer at a center to help write resumes for the unemployed. I could help serve at a homeless center ... and yes, I can give. I think of the Bibical example of the good Samartian. Who helped the individual on the roadside. Took him to a place for safe keeping and provided funds to the home that he took him to. All benevolent acts in my mind. So I think to answer your question, I practice both; benevolence and stewardship. (note I ran across your blog because I have had a google alert set up for "benevolence" for the past 6 months).
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