Stewardship: The Soul
The Rev. Michael K. Templin / Trinitytide, 2023, Issue 8
We often focus on many areas of stewardship in the church, and rightly so, but one that is not often thought of in the category of stewardship is the soul. In Psalm 1, we are presented with one of the clearest explanations of the need for "soul stewardship." We see the "blessed" or "happy man" and what is required to do and not do to achieve that state of beatitude. Often, negative situations impact our walk with the Lord, and when our relationship with The Lord is impaired, our souls are likewise impaired. Psalm 1 warns that the “blessed man” is not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor does he stand in the way of sinners, nor does he sit in the seat with scornful people. We can probably think of dozens of contemporary situations that we faced that have done just that, and if we’re honest, we realize the negative impact on our souls.
During my time in college, I spent a lot of time reading higher critical theology and interacting with "theological liberals." After about a year, I started to become more open-minded about orthodox beliefs, and eventually, I began to lose my faith. To address this, I began to interpret scriptures through the perspectives of the Church Fathers and the Creeds. I also started attending the daily office at an Episcopal church and then discovered the REC. Unfortunately, my lack of stewardship and discernment greatly harmed my soul. Psalm 1:2-3 provides guidance and a path to maintain soul stewardship: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."Why is soul stewardship so important? Well, the aforementioned loss of faith is pretty important! Moreover, how can we steward our finances, church, marriage, family, creation, etc., if our soul is far from God? The soul belongs to God, and if we neglect that, we will neglect everything else.
We must realize that the "blessed man" in Psalm 1 represents our Lord Jesus. We are called to emulate Him! Since He holds our souls and we are made in His image, it is only natural (or supernatural) that we should live lives that safeguard and nourish the sacred gifts that He has given us. In doing so, we, too, can experience the blessings and take delight in Him and His holy law.
