Stewards 2

by Kelly Knowlden

Implications of being stewards of this world include having our children understand that they are not primarily consumers, but rather responsible citizens of the earth. Application of that truth includes everything from how they leave the lunchroom table (some high school students leave their portion in a deplorable state!) as well as what standard they adopt for their work. It includes their use of money and how they view environmentalism. There are also applications to the way they steward their relationships. (Sadly more and more students have bought into Satan's lies of relationships being about themselves and how others make me feel.)

So how do you as a parent convey all that? It is by reminding yourself regularly of the fact that you are a steward. You will have thought through the implications of God’s truth of recycling, use of pesticides, stewarding expendable income, stewarding information, what to do with personal trash, use of technology, stewarding time, etc. This will provide material for enough conversations that will last all 18 years that they live in your house. Even if you don’t know all the answers, students want and need to know the reasons for what takes place in life. And they will want to know that those reasons are pinned to objective truth—not just what you think. Of course, the conversation factor will be backed-up by how you live. Remember, the reason for the rebellion of the 60's was because parents could not give the next generation valid, objective reasons for why they needed to obey parents, comb their hair and be respectful of authority.

In light of this topic, I wanted to commend students and teachers who were involved in the PA Clean-up Day. We take care of a nine square block section of the city and our own school grounds. The area looks very nice and the students did an excellent job! I appreciate their enthusiasm and willingness to be good stewards.