Stacy Lampman, St. Andrew’s Burt

“We hold in trust something lent to us temporarily and we are accountable to Christ for everything. . .our life and time, our powers of body and mind and our material possessions” – Giving in Faith, 1988

Being a good steward of our time and talent and treasures is not a “simple” thing. It takes a conscious and intentional effort on our part.

While looking through some old Lenten material from the Rev. Karen Siegfriedt, I found her “Ten Principles of Outward Simplicity.” I think this is information we should all consider as part of being good stewards.

1. Buy things for usefulness, not for status (high fashion clothes and accessories)
2. Reject anything that is causing an addiction (chocolate, television)
3. Learn to give things away (de-accumulate, get rid of 50%)
4. Refuse to be propagandized by modern gadgets (does it really save time?)
5. Enjoy something without needing to buy it (share and borrow)
6. Beware of “buy now, pay later” (keep out of debt)
7. Develop an appreciation for creation (walk places or ride your bike)
8. Use plain and honest speech (let your “yes be yes” and “no be no”)
9. Reject anything that will cause the oppression of anyone (causes poverty?)
10. Ignore whatever would distract you from the Kingdom of God (Seek ye first. . .)