Stewardship’s “Supreme Teacher”
Following Christ’s Example
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ormer President and Five-Star General Dwight D. Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, “In Jesus’ teaching and life Eisenhower once said, “You don’t lead by hitting peo- self-emptying is fundamental. Now, it might seem that selfple over the head — that’s assault, not leadership.” Presi- emptying has little to do with stewardship, but in Jesus' case dent Eisenhower’s words are both blunt and humorous, but that is not so. His self-emptying is not sterile self-denial for he makes a great point. Almost any successful endeavor in its own sake; rather, in setting aside self, he is filled with the life requires the benefit of strong leadership. And a truly Father’s will, and he is fulfilled in just this way” (19). effective leader does not lead by simply telling others what Jesus points out to Peter in Mark’s Gospel that this “selfto do, but by providing a strong example of how to carry emptying” requires sacrifice, but ultimately leads to “eternal oneself on a daily basis. life in the age to come” (Mk 10:30). Christ’s life as documented in the This is no different for us in The Christian steward’s ultimate reGospels is a model that we should our lives as Catholic Christians. As ward is not his or her only benefit individuals who face numerous diffrom living the stewardship way of strive to imitate in living as good ficult choices every day, we require Christians. And as we have learned, life. By sharing our time, talent and a leader who, through word and extreasure, and living in imitation of stewardship — the sharing of the ample, can show us the path to livChrist, we can relate more closely gifts that God has given to us — is ing according to God’s will. For us, to Him in sharing, in a small way, in Jesus is the supreme teacher of ev- a big part of Christian life, and one His sacrifice. “To be a Christian disery aspect of Christian life, and His for which Jesus left many examples of ciple is a rewarding way of life, a way life, as documented in the Gospels, of companionship with Jesus, and successful living. is a model that we should strive to the practice of stewardship as a part imitate in living as good Christians. As we have learned, of it, is itself a source of deep joy. Those who live this way are stewardship — the sharing of the gifts that God has given happy people who have found the meaning and purpose of to us — is a big part of Christian life, and one for which living” (Stewardship: A Disciple's Response, 21). Jesus left many examples of successful living. The next time you are frustrated or unsure of how to Jesus’ nature of selfless service, documented many times best respond to God’s gifts in stewardship, take a moment throughout the New Testament and culminating with His to open up the Bible. Jesus may not “hit us over the head” death for our sins, is an underlying aspect of living the in His leadership, but He does provide numerous examples stewardship way of life. As the United States Conference through His actions and teachings of how to live as one of of Catholic Bishops points out in its pastoral document His disciples.
