Stewardship of the Heart: Where Do We Invest Our Greatest Resources?

When I was first out in the field, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the work. The needs were endless, and the commitments—both spiritual and temporal—felt immense. I thought stewardship was a simple equation: give money, feel good, do good. But as I progressed, and especially after serving my mission, I learned that the principle of stewardship is far deeper than tithing or writing a check.

It’s about where we truly invest our heart. Where do we place our trust, and what are we willing to sacrifice for the eternal truths of the Gospel?

Recently, I watched a conversation that really made me pause and think. People were discussing giving—where to send money, whether it's to a big charity or to the local church. It’s a natural conversation, but it forced me to consider a bigger picture. If the principle of giving applies to our finances, doesn't it apply to our time, our energy, and our attention?

I want us to consider this concept of spiritual stewardship. Our greatest resource isn't the cash in our pocket; it’s the capacity to be disciples—to be the Internet missionaries, the companions, and the disciples in our homes, right here, right now.

The True Measure of Stewardship

The video highlights the difference between giving to a local church and giving to a global charity. It touches on the heart—the fear of becoming idolized by money—and the idea of trusting God with our first fruits. As returned missionaries, we learn quickly that the Church is a sacred institution, yes, but the true covenant is between us and the Savior. Our role is to be conduits for His grace.

When we talk about stewardship in the context of the work, we are talking about giving our best effort. It means that when we are asked to prepare a member for missionary discussions, we don't just show up; we prepare our hearts and minds. It means that when a district leader asks us to teach a Book Club session, we don't just read the assigned chapter; we study it until we can answer the hard questions.

Beyond the Cash: Investing Your Time and Talents

Stewardship is the spiritual muscle we flex when we choose to do the right thing, even when it costs us time, convenience, or comfort. It’s the decision to spend an hour with a friend who is struggling, even when we are tired. It's the dedication to learning our scriptures so well that we can help a companion understand the difference between a doctrine and a feeling.

I love thinking about how the Lord has prepared us. We are not called to be perfect; we are called to be faithful. We are called to learn, to repent, and to keep showing up. This is the most valuable investment we can make.

"Keep the commandments of God, and thou shalt live." (D&C 82:29)

This commandment is the ultimate stewardship challenge. What are you keeping? Is it the commandments, or is it the comfort and ease that keeps you from fully participating in the work? Every time we choose to teach, to serve, or to invite someone to scripture study, we are making a sacred investment.

Your Next Investment in the Gospel

If you feel challenged by this concept of giving your best self, I have a resource I highly recommend. If you're interested in deepening your understanding of the covenants, check out the *Iron Rod* collection. Specifically, the chapters dealing with the covenants of the priesthood are incredibly helpful for understanding the commitment we make when we become disciples.

For those of us in the process of preparation, or those of us who have just returned from the field, remember that this movement is designed for every single one of us. You don't have to wait for a transfer or wait for a new assignment to be a disciple. You can be an Internet missionary, a disciple, anywhere, all the time.

Ready to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a steward of the Gospel? Join a local Bible Study Group or a Book Club through HolyPlaces this week. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to engage in social scripture study and connect with other disciples!