The Danger of Selective Effort
Engaging in stewardship implies an active steward. They will work, or take steps to fulfill the expectations that the property owner set them. Activity and effort are closely related but not identical. I may be active, but I may be putting little effort into my work. Similarly, I may be active and exerting great effort over my task. The presence of activity does not denote a consistent level of activity.
When presented with being active in our stewardship, we must decide how much effort we are going to give. The danger that exists for us is that we are selective in the effort we expend.
Too much rationalization
Any task requiring our attention will cause us to decide how much effort we want to expend completing it. An enjoyable task – whatever that may be for you – will see us happily expend greater effort because we like it. On the other hand, cleaning toilets probably won’t. (I apologize if cleaning toilets is a task you genuinely enjoy.) What am I getting at? We rationalize the effort we are prepared to give based on what the task means to us.
The danger this presents in stewardship is that based on how I view the activity, my effort correlates. If I have been entrusted with something I don’t particularly like, enjoy, or even think I should not have to do, it is unlikely I will give it the full amount of effort it deserves or requires.
More trust required
Rather than have confidence in my mental reasoning, I must remind myself that I can trust God who gave me this stewardship. He is like the Master in Matthew 25:15 who divided up his property to his servants, “…each according to his own ability…”
The things we steward for God may be different – and we have to fight the urge to compare and be dissatisfied. But ultimately we can have confidence in the fact that what we have been entrusted with is perfectly suited for us at this time. (Remember Psalm 139 – God knows us better than we know ourselves. Should we be surprised that our stewardships are best suited to each of us?)
Remember the reflection
As I am active in my stewardship I need to remember that I act as God would act if he were doing this task. It is a high standard and one that, I confess, I frequently forget. What does it say about him if I complete my tasks begrudgingly? What does it reflect of him to the world if I just do the absolute minimum necessary?
While we do not complete our tasks to meet a standard set by anyone other than God, we must remember that there are many others who are watching us. What am I reflecting to them about God?
Look past the task
Similarly, what am I communicating to God about what I think of what he has given me to do? Do I clearly demonstrate that I think he has made a great error, or do I say that I am willing to trust him? As much as I can I need to look past the task and see him. The one who loves me infinitely, who accepts me through his son, and who wants my best.
As I see God clearer my motivation changes to not be just task completion, but to pleasing him and obeying him. At that point I don’t have to decide whether I give this 10% effort or 100% because I will want to give my best each and every time. I should then have the approach that “…whatever [I] do, [I] do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Up Next:
The danger of a productivity mindset **Coming soon**
Explore Ownership more:
Stewardship Component #4 – Activity
“My responsibility in light of Activity” **Coming soon**
