In the Old Testament we read about Nehemiah. After seeing the crumbling walls of Jerusalem, he calls the people to “Rise up and build." Nehemiah doesn't do it alone. He inspires the people, sharing his vision. And the response of the people? "Let us rise up and build."
This story and the words of Nehemiah (2:19) call us today, not just to building with bricks and mortar, but also to a deeper, spiritual building – the rebuilding and renewal of our faith. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to respond to God's gifts with faithful stewardship. Like Nehemiah, we are called to "rise up and build," carrying on God’s work in our parish, our community and in the world.
This is a collective work; offering up our time, talents and treasures. Big or small everything is to the glory of God, for the deepening of our faith, for the building up of our community, and for building towards our future home on our church property. Each effort or offering we put forth lays another "spiritual brick" in the foundation of Holy Resurrection.
This is why we don't think of stewardship as “how much?” or “how much is needed?” Stewardship and generosity are aspects of our spiritual life, a means in which we grow in love towards God and each other. In stewardship we acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God and we are to use His gifts in ways that honor Him. This transforms our understanding of the blessings in our life. It prompts us to use our blessings for the good of others and for the glory of God. We realize that we need to continue to build up the 'foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone' (Eph 2:20).
As you prayerfully approach completing your stewardship card this year, remember that our offering to “rise up and build" must always be done with joy in our hearts. We should look honestly at what we can offer and remember the beautiful words of St. Paul; 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' (2 Cor 9:7).
With love in Christ,
Fr. Steve
This story and the words of Nehemiah (2:19) call us today, not just to building with bricks and mortar, but also to a deeper, spiritual building – the rebuilding and renewal of our faith. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to respond to God's gifts with faithful stewardship. Like Nehemiah, we are called to "rise up and build," carrying on God’s work in our parish, our community and in the world.
This is a collective work; offering up our time, talents and treasures. Big or small everything is to the glory of God, for the deepening of our faith, for the building up of our community, and for building towards our future home on our church property. Each effort or offering we put forth lays another "spiritual brick" in the foundation of Holy Resurrection.
This is why we don't think of stewardship as “how much?” or “how much is needed?” Stewardship and generosity are aspects of our spiritual life, a means in which we grow in love towards God and each other. In stewardship we acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God and we are to use His gifts in ways that honor Him. This transforms our understanding of the blessings in our life. It prompts us to use our blessings for the good of others and for the glory of God. We realize that we need to continue to build up the 'foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone' (Eph 2:20).
As you prayerfully approach completing your stewardship card this year, remember that our offering to “rise up and build" must always be done with joy in our hearts. We should look honestly at what we can offer and remember the beautiful words of St. Paul; 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' (2 Cor 9:7).
With love in Christ,
Fr. Steve
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