On September 11, 2001, just over one year ago, terrorists flew three planes into important buildings, causing the United States of America to flex its global muscle in the war on terrorism. In spite of record support for the president, persistent questions remain concerning how much the government knew before the attacks and of its stewardship of the nation’s security, human lives, and national resources. Some even argue that because of their failure to prevent the attacks which they knew were coming, government leaders in dealing with the aftermath have likewise brought their stewardship of the Constitution into question.
Stewardship is a much larger principle than the use of our financial and physical assets. It is a comprehensive obligation over a wide range of issues including health, intellect, vital force, and the spiritual assets of heart and soul. Each of us has significant intangible assets for which we will be held accountable both in this life and the life to come.
The stewardship of the soul is our most important obligation. Nothing is more important than our eternal salvation. But many Seventh-day Adventists are careless about this important stewardship obligation. Few are daily reading the Bible, let alone the Spirit of Prophecy. Few are spending significant time in prayer pleading for God’s direction and influence on them. How then can they expect to be prepared for the crisis that is coming upon God’s people? How then will they be willing to face the serious consequences of the coming attack on them because of the truth they profess? Because of this one neglect, many will not be in heaven.
Another important aspect of the stewardship of the soul is personal ministry. Giving of yourself to help someone else is one of the most satisfying and uplifting things you can do. Do you realize that the more you give, the better you will feel? Giving money to change someone’s life (like a student), is very meaningful and brings great satisfaction, but giving of yourself is even more satisfying, because it comes directly from the heart. Why do people spend so much time grunting, groaning, and sweating while volunteering for good causes? It isn’t the money they get for it. It is the intangible blessing of the satisfaction they receive, knowing that their little bit of effort makes a big difference. And you know, it makes as big a difference in your own life as it does in the life of someone else.
Missionary work is like that. It brings such great satisfaction that it is almost an addiction—a good addiction. Talk to any real literature missionary. You’ll find them eager for the next opportunity to hand someone a Last Generation magazine or some other piece of truth-filled literature. Why are they so eager? They have found the secret of happiness—doing something from the heart for someone else.
Why not get started? You need it! And souls out there need it. Satan, the great terrorist, is busy destroying people’s lives. The proper stewardship of your personal constitution and spiritual resources is your best chance at happiness and satisfaction in this life and the life to come.
Make the most of your stewardship — Why not volunteer at Hartland?
