Stewardship

“RISE UP AND BUILD”

Nehemiah 2:18

Building Up the Body of Christ

In the Old Testament we read about Nehemiah. After seeing the crumbling walls of Jerusalem,

he called the people to “Rise up and build." Nehemiah doesn't do it alone. He inspires the

people, sharing his vision. And the response of the people? "Let us rise up and build."

This story and the words of Nehemiah (2:19) call us today, not just to building and rebuilding

with bricks and mortar, but also to a deeper, spiritual building – the rebuilding and renewal of

our faith. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to respond to God's gifts with faithful

stewardship. Like Nehemiah, we are called to "rise up and build," carrying on God’s work in

our parish our community and in the world.

This call of Nehemiah to "rise up and build" invites us to become active members of the

Church, the Body of Christ, to join in ministry and contribute according to our abilities. As

Orthodox Christians, we understand that stewardship is a joint effort of all the members of the

community. Every member has a role to play.

how much is it?

Stewardship is not a matter of “how much is it?” or “how much is needed?” Stewardship and

generosity are aspects of spiritual discipline and an indication of our spiritual maturity. In

stewardship we acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God and we are to use His gifts in

ways that honor Him. This transforms our understanding of the blessings in our life. It prompts

us to use our blessings for the good of others and for the glory of God.

Just as the walls of Jerusalem were broken through neglect or indifference, a neglected spiritual

life can also become dilapidated and broken. The words of Nehemiah call us to renew and

rebuild our commitment to our faith, and our dedication and support for our Church and her

ministries.

compassion and faith

Nehemiah's response is a great example for us. He was moved by compassion and faith. He

saw the need, and his heart was stirred. He didn't ignore the problem; he embraced it as his

own. This is the first step in true stewardship: seeing the needs of God's Church and responding

with love and sacrifice.

Nehemiah prayed. Before any action, Nehemiah turned to God. He understood that true

rebuilding, both physical or spiritual, begins and ends with God. Stewardship is not about our

own strength, but about God working through us.

practical and intentional

Nehemiah planned and acted. Prayer without action is just empty words. Nehemiah

meticulously planned, secured resources, and then courageously led the work. Stewardship is

practical; it is intentional, requiring wise planning and diligent use of our God-given abilities

and resources.

Nehemiah inspired others. He didn't just command. He shared his vision. He ignited a spark

in the hearts of the people, reminding them of their importance in this process. This is crucial

for our parish stewardship ministry. We lead by example, inspiring one another to participate,

to offer their unique gifts for the good of our Church.

This is our call today. We are called to be like Nehemiah in our own lives and in our parish.

We can rise up and build the walls of prayer by dedicating time each day to personal prayer,

Scripture reading, and participation in the liturgical life of the Church.

receive the presence of Jesus

We can rise up and build the walls of worship by being present in Divine Liturgy, offering our

time, our worship and our gratitude for His blessings. We offer our whole being to God in

worship, and we receive the presence of Jesus Christ within us.

We can rise up and build the wall of generosity. Stewardship is not just about money, though

it is vital for our Church's mission. Stewardship is offering our time, serving in ministries,

being ready to help, wherever we are needed. It is about offering our talents and our unique

skills – whether in music, administration, hospitality, or technology – for the glory of God. It

is about offering our treasures, giving a proportional and sacrificial portion of our income,

recognizing that all we have comes from God.

We can rise up and build the wall of Christian love, seeing Christ in all people, forgiving with

patience, and compassion. In Christian love, we serve those in need, both within and outside

our parish family, in our neighborhood and around the world.

effort, dedication and perseverance

To rise up requires effort, dedication, and perseverance. Building and rebuilding is not easy.

But when we commit ourselves fully and sacrificially, God will bless our efforts.

The story of Nehemiah reminds us that stewardship is not only a financial obligation; it is a

response of gratitude and love to God for His blessings. It is about actively participating in the

ongoing work of building up the Kingdom of God, starting with the walls of our own souls

and extending to the life of our parish and the world around us.