Stewardship resolutions

Resolutions are the plans that we use to deal with a particular challenge. The problem with resolutions for me is that they tend to be projects with a goal, not generally a change that I have managed to successfully incorporate into my life for a long period of time. Living our lives as Christian stewards is sometimes the same way — we look at stewardship as a project with a goal, but don’t look upon stewardship as a change in lifestyle that we will hereafter incorporate into our daily lives.

A writer once said, "Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits." It’s sad to realize how true that statement really is, for all of our best intentions are often conquered by the habits each of us has developed over time. These habits have become a daily part of our lives, and it is only in changing our lifestyles that new habits are formed. Stewardship as a way of life is not just a slogan, but is the plan by which each of us can eliminate the bad habits that now plague us, and in their place develop habits that mirror Jesus’ actions.

Each of us is involved in stewardship to some degree, even if we do not recognize that involvement. As we move into this New Year, we can resolve to continue to develop our awareness about this stewardship call. This awareness can and often leads to change or to the commitment to continue a certain behavior or activity, and perhaps to expand it slowly and consistently over time. We can resolve to volunteer an extra hour once a week or once a month to assist a worthy cause or we can resolve to utilize our talents in the community for a special project. We might also forgo an extra drink, fast food meal, or a pack of cigarettes and instead donate that small amount to a charity. Over time, these newly-formed habits will shape the foundation for a changed way of life.

This changed way of life is important to each of us as Christian stewards as it demonstrates the constantly evolving nature of our relationship with Jesus. Through prayer and dialogue with our Lord, we can and will come to understand how He has chosen to share so many gifts with us, and how each of us can best share them with others. We must resolve to place Jesus first in our lives if we are to truly be transformed into the stewards we have been called to be through our Baptism. Growing closer in our relationship with Jesus will encourage each of us to change our priorities which in turn will begin to change our habits, and those resolutions that have been up to this time temporary, will become a part of our everyday lives.

I’m reminded as I write of changes and resolutions about how daunting these proposed changes can sometimes appear at first glance. We might resolve to make whatever changes are necessary in our lives, but when we see the enormity of the challenge, temptation and despair often undermine our efforts, and soon our new start has reverted back to old habits. I am one who understands and has succumbed to this reality and hope this opportunity to be a better steward will also inspire my efforts. In the coming year, I pray that each of us will grow closer in our relationship with God, that we will be receptive to His word, and that our actions will reflect our relationship with our Lord in our daily lives. Then, the only resolution we will need to have each year is to once again recommit to being the best steward of the gifts God has entrusted to us. That commitment will allow everything else to take care of itself.