So I’ve had this idea for a blog post for awhile now, and actually I was going to use it for my personal blog http://agirlsetapart.blogspot.com/. Now that I’ve returned from camp however, I felt that this fit more appropriately here, for this audience. So, here’s some thoughts…
Let’s first of all look at some definitions.
Steward (or Stewardship): Activity or job of protecting and being responsible for something. The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.
Slumlord: A landlord who owns slum buildings, especially one who fails to maintain or improve the buildings (and charges tenants exorbitant rents).
After 10ish or so days at Training Camp in preparation for the World Race, this had me thinking more and more. Am I a good steward? Am I a good steward of my things? My relationships? My health? Or am I a slumlord (so to speak)? I think this concept can be applied to all areas of our lives. Every one you ask? Yes!
Think about this, everyday we have choices, choices about what we put in our body, who we choose to interact with, how we handle our homes. Now ask yourself this, Am I investing in the people around me? Am i protecting and being responsible with the people the Lord has put in my life? Or am I failing to maintain those relationships? Am I “costing” people to be in relationship with myself? How about what we choose to put in our bodies everyday for fuel. Are we being responsible to care for ourselves so that we can carry out the mission He has set before us; or are we failing to maintain our bodies in a Godly manner?
How about our homes…Are we taking care of what’s been given to us? Well.. you get the idea here… these questions can literally apply to every aspect of our lives. Being at Training Camp definitely helped me to see areas in my life where I was being a slumlord. Areas that the Lord has entrusted certain things to me and I have been less than a steward. So today I challenge you. Sit before the Lord and take some time to reflect. Can you see areas where you are being a slumlord? Can you see areas you’re being a steward? Allow the Lord to speak to you about these places. Don’t beat yourself up over the areas that need improving either. Just allow yourself to be stretched and act accordingly!
Blessings!
