Stewardship |
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John Woolman’s simple statement in "A Word of Remembrance and Caution to the Rich" (1793) may serve as a beginning for all consideration of stewardship: "As Christians, all we possess is the Gift of God, and in the distribution of it we act as his stewards; it becomes us therefore to act agreeably to that divine wisdom which he graciously gives to his servants." The principle of stewardship thus applies to all that we have and are, as individuals, as members of groups, and as inhabitants of the earth. As individuals, we are obliged to use our time, our various abilities, our strength, our money, our material possessions and other resources in a spirit of love, aware that we hold these gifts in trust, and responsible to use them in the Light. As Friends, and as members of other groups, we seek to apply the same spirit to the use and contribution of our corporate resources. As people, we are obliged to cherish the earth, and to protect all its resources in a spirit of humble stewardship, committed to the right sharing of these resources among people everywhere. "To turn all we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives" - this, in the words of Woolman, is the meaning of Quaker stewardship. |
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