EVERY MEMBER COMMITMENT
Stewardship as Kingdom Living
In a noisy world, it’s tempting to think the loudest things—politics, culture wars, and crises—are what matter most. But when I step back, I’m reminded of Psalm 103:19: “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” That truth reshapes how I think about my stewardship of time, talents, and treasure.
For me, it starts with time. Deuteronomy 6:5 calls me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and might. When my heart is aligned with Him, I begin to see time not as something to control but as something to offer. Some of the most meaningful Kingdom moments in my life haven’t been big or impressive. They’ve come in a Sunday School classroom, during a quiet prayer for a friend, or while serving alongside others in the city.
The same is true with talents. I’ve had to learn that my gifts, whether leading, teaching, or singing, are not mine to keep. They are entrusted by God to build up others. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.” When I remember that, even ordinary skills take on eternal significance.
Treasure has been the most stretching area. Before marriage, I didn’t take giving seriously. But through my wife’s influence and the Spirit’s work, I’ve realized that generosity is not about what God needs; it is about who I trust. “Honor the Lord with your wealth” (Prov. 3:9). For us, tithing and supporting missions has become a way to actively join God’s Kingdom work.
Now, as we prepare to welcome our first child, stewardship feels even more sacred. What kind of legacy will our family build? 1 Corinthians 15:58 gives me hope: nothing we offer the Lord is ever wasted. Every act of faithfulness, every prayer, every gift, and every small sacrifice, becomes part of something eternal.
– Austin Barr
Briarwood Member
In a noisy world, it’s tempting to think the loudest things—politics, culture wars, and crises—are what matter most. But when I step back, I’m reminded of Psalm 103:19: “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” That truth reshapes how I think about my stewardship of time, talents, and treasure.
For me, it starts with time. Deuteronomy 6:5 calls me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and might. When my heart is aligned with Him, I begin to see time not as something to control but as something to offer. Some of the most meaningful Kingdom moments in my life haven’t been big or impressive. They’ve come in a Sunday School classroom, during a quiet prayer for a friend, or while serving alongside others in the city.
The same is true with talents. I’ve had to learn that my gifts, whether leading, teaching, or singing, are not mine to keep. They are entrusted by God to build up others. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.” When I remember that, even ordinary skills take on eternal significance.
Treasure has been the most stretching area. Before marriage, I didn’t take giving seriously. But through my wife’s influence and the Spirit’s work, I’ve realized that generosity is not about what God needs; it is about who I trust. “Honor the Lord with your wealth” (Prov. 3:9). For us, tithing and supporting missions has become a way to actively join God’s Kingdom work.
Now, as we prepare to welcome our first child, stewardship feels even more sacred. What kind of legacy will our family build? 1 Corinthians 15:58 gives me hope: nothing we offer the Lord is ever wasted. Every act of faithfulness, every prayer, every gift, and every small sacrifice, becomes part of something eternal.
– Austin Barr
Briarwood Member