In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us a powerful and enduring image: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” He continues, urging us not to hide our light under a basket, but to put it on a stand where it can give light to everyone. This passage, Matthew 5:14-16, is a beautiful call to witness and service, and it is the foundation of our stewardship work this year.
Often, when we hear the word “stewardship,” our minds jump directly to the church budget, to pledge cards, and to the financial needs of our building. Those things are important, of course, as they are practical aspects of how we keep our lamp lit. But true, biblical stewardship is a much broader and more joyful concept. It is the faithful management of all the gifts God has entrusted to our care: our time, our unique talents, our passions, and yes, our financial resources. Stewardship is the conscious, prayerful decision to use these gifts not for ourselves, but to shine a light into the world.
When you volunteer as a greeter, you are putting your light on a stand. When you share your professional skills to help a church committee, you are letting your light shine. When you offer a warm welcome to a visitor, or when you contribute financially to our shared ministry, you are refusing to hide your light under a basket. Each act of generosity, no matter its form, is a way of reflecting the divine light of Christ that is within us.
As we prepare to enter our annual pledge campaign, let us reflect on this call. Let’s not see it as an obligation, but as a joyful opportunity to decide, together and as individuals, how we will place our lamp on the stand. It is our chance to ensure our church continues to be that city on a hill—a beacon of hope, grace, and love for our entire community.
