How to Be a Steward

Summary

Father Mike Schmidt discusses the concept of ownership versus stewardship in life. He contrasts the attitudes of possessiveness with the gratitude of being a steward of God's gifts. He uses the parable of the talents to illustrate the idea of entrusted responsibility. Schmidt encourages viewers to approach life with gratitude for the blessings they've been given, and to trust in God's plan even when faced with loss, as everything is a gift, not a possession.

Takeaways

• 💇 The speaker recently got a haircut and grew a beard, symbolizing change and the theme of transformation.
• 🌟 The speaker introduces a new look for 'Essentials', hinting at upcoming changes that are beautiful and amazing.
• 🔍 There are two perspectives on life: viewing oneself as an owner of possessions versus being a steward entrusted with them.
• 📜 A stewardship perspective involves recognizing that all possessions, including time and talents, are gifts from God and not truly our own.
• 🙏 The parable of the talents illustrates the concept of stewardship, where individuals are given resources to manage responsibly on behalf of the owner.
• 🌱 The speaker emphasizes the importance of gratitude and being a good steward by asking God how to best use the time and gifts entrusted to us each day.
• 😔 The dark side of ownership is taking things for granted and becoming resentful when they are taken away, whereas stewardship fosters gratitude and acceptance.
• 💔 A tragic example is shared where a family lost their son but chose to view him as a gift from God, which helped them cope with their loss without resentment.
• 🌈 The speaker encourages the audience to consider their role in life as stewards of God's gifts, promoting a mindset of gratitude and service.
• ✝️ The choice between being an owner or a steward is presented as a personal decision that affects one's attitude towards life's blessings and challenges.

Q & A

What changes did Father Mike mention about himself?

Father Mike mentioned that he got a haircut and grew a beard recently.

What is the new look that Father Mike refers to in the context of 'Essentials'?

Father Mike refers to a new look for 'Essentials' that will be beautiful and amazing, starting in Advent.

How does Father Mike describe the two ways of looking at the world?

Father Mike describes the two ways of looking at the world as being either an owner or a steward of what one has been given.

What is the difference between being an owner and a steward according to Father Mike?

Being an owner implies possession and the ability to do whatever one wants with what one has, while being a steward implies that one is entrusted with something that is not their own and must use it responsibly.

What parable does Father Mike reference to illustrate the concept of stewardship?

Father Mike references the parable of the talents or the parable of the gold coins where a master entrusts his servants with his wealth.

How does Father Mike suggest approaching each day as a steward?

Father Mike suggests starting each day by asking God what one should do with the time entrusted to them.

What is the potential dark side of walking through life as an owner?

The dark side of walking through life as an owner is being insensitive and ungrateful for what one has been given, and becoming resentful when those things are taken away.

How does Father Mike relate the concept of stewardship to the gifts and talents one has?

Father Mike relates stewardship to gifts and talents by saying that they are not ours to own but are entrusted to us by God, and we should be grateful for them.

What example does Father Mike give about the attitude of a steward when faced with loss?

Father Mike gives the example of a family who lost their son, stating that they chose to see him as a gift from God that they were entrusted with, and thus they could not be resentful when he was taken away.

What is the final choice Father Mike presents to the listeners?

Father Mike presents the choice between being a steward, who is grateful and responsible for the gifts entrusted to them, or an owner, who may take things for granted and become resentful.