Sponsor Forum
Mowing for Jesus
I was asked to write about my family’s ideals regarding stewardship. First, for many who know me they will not believe or understand how difficult it is for me to make a presentation or write an article. For those of you who don’t know me I’m an insurance salesman. I realize that each of these sentences is a huge contradiction. But that’s me.
Anyway, I look at stewardship like presentations. It is not something I can’t do; it is something I have to do for me. Like when I agreed to be Chairman of the foundation’s Investment Committee. I already know what the outcome will be. It will be great, I will learn and I will teach and I will do better every time I have the opportunity. I once again will prove to myself that I can do it, no matter what it is. I know that if I give more or if I write that article, I will make a difference. I continue to be blessed by the experience and grow from it.
Financial gifts are not the only form of stewardship. Time is very precious and can be a special gift to God. Our church is small and doesn’t have a lot of extra money. A few years back when we volunteered to mow the grass I wanted my young sons to participate as best they could. I didn’t tell them we were mowing grass I told them we were mowing for Jesus. After that there was a different excitement to all of us when it came to mowing the church yard, we mowed for Jesus. On Sundays my boys who are now eight and ten give their coins. Funny enough, some are earned by working in our yard. Not quite the same as mowing for Jesus but the concept of “doing” for Jesus is there.
Stewardship is a very near, dear, and personal thing to all of us. It is very easy to put into words. It is not something God commands you to do, it is just something you should have an internal need to do and you should do it with no strings attached. You do it when you are happy with how things are going or when you aren’t, when you have money and when you don't - it will be covered.
To know if you are being the person you should be, you should sit with your mother, tell her what you could do if you wanted to, and then watch the look on her face when you tell her what you are doing! I encourage you and your family to “mow for Jesus” not only for your church but at places like the foundation. Contact us through this website or by calling 405.525.6530 for information.
.
Ken Carpenter, Oklahoma Disciples Foundation
