What Stewardship Means to the McClaskeys

Sandra and Charlie McClaskey

[Sandra] Several years ago as I read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, I realized that the Lord was saying, "Sandra, listen to this. This message is for you." Being a non- risk taker, I realized I was like the one who received the one talent and buried it to keep it safe. We all know what the Master's response was. The talent he was given was taken away and the worthless, lazy servant was thrown outside. I didn't want to be the "one talent" steward. I realized that the Lord expects me to be a good steward and to use the "talents," the time, and the gifts He has given me for the betterment of His kingdom.

James 1 tells me to be not a hearer of the Word only, but a doer also. Christ does expect me to do what His Scripture says - to reach out and help others. He expects obedience, but He also looks at the attitude of my heart. For me stewardship is more that just obedience to His will; it's not just a job to be done and then checked off my "to do" list. Stewardship is what I do in response to God's love for me. It is something I do out of a heart of gratitude because Christ gave His very life for me. Should I strive to do any less? What do I have that isn't already a gift from Him?

Practically, being a good steward means giving God the first fruits of my day, not the leftovers after I've finished my day's schedule. It means discovering the gifts I have and using them in service to my church, my family, my neighborhood, and beyond. It means joyfully being willing to help with projects at church, helping my husband and children even when I'm busy, listening to a neighbor who is struggling or taking her to chemotherapy, and giving my time to help in the community. Do I do this perfectly? Certainly not, but I am striving to do it better.

[Charlie] Since I was raised in the Roman church, the Bible didn't figure prominently in my early instruction. However, it hasn't taken the entire 34 years of my exposure to Scripture as an Episcopalian to figure out that we were probably not put on earth to "feel good about ourselves." Instead I have read, understood, and accepted that we are to love God and one another, feed the hungry, clothe the naked.... Like most people I think I'm kept pretty busy earning a living, supporting my immediate family, etc. This issue for me is not "what am I called to do" but "how do I do it (all)?"

As a businessman I am familiar with a concept, often attributed to the Japanese, called "continuous improvement." In short, it means that well-run businesses never stop striving to get better at every aspect of their art. Similarly, stewardship is not an annual event, but a never-ending process, part of our journey of faith. Few individuals have the ability, opportunity, and time to fully make good our calling to love our neighbors. I personally flunk. However, if we act together with like-minded people, remarkable things happen. After 15 years at the Chapel of the Cross, I am still amazed at the variety of ways "we" make a difference in our parish, our town, our state, the world. Our Annual Report may not win a literary award, but it is eloquent in showing the breadth and depth of our striving to be good stewards.

I am honored to support the ceaseless efforts of the clergy, staff, and the many talented, dedicated, and committed members of the Chapel of the Cross (including my wife) who daily represent me in ways I can't equal. This parish will remain the primary focus of our financial giving.