Stewardship, Sacrifice, and the True Gift: Learning to Give Generously in the Gospel

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to journey together on this covenant path, we spend so much time preparing for the day we might be called to serve full-time—whether that’s in the MTC, on a mission, or right here in our own neighborhoods. We talk about testimony, about scripture study, and about keeping the Spirit close. But sometimes, the principles of discipleship show up in unexpected places, reminding us that *everything* we have—our time, our talents, and yes, even our resources—is a gift to be stewarded.

I was recently watching a discussion about almsgiving, and it got me thinking about the heart behind *all* giving. It’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics—the *how* of giving—but the Savior always points us toward the *why*. It’s not about the amount, but the motive. It’s about where we direct our focus.

The Heart of the Gift: Beyond the Transaction

The speaker highlighted that when we think about giving, we often get bogged down in the details—the "collection roulette," if you will. We worry about what we can afford to give, or what will make us feel better about ourselves. But the counsel we receive, whether from the pulpit or from the Iron Rod teachings, is always to look past the immediate feeling. True charity, true discipleship, is rooted in something deeper.

If you take away just one thing from that discussion, let it be this: the greatest acts of giving are those that flow from gratitude, not from guilt. We are called to be joyful givers because we recognize that everything we possess—our education, our callings, our health, even our ability to gather Israel—is a gift from Heavenly Father. We are stewards, not owners.

Conforming Ourselves to Christ

The most profound teaching, which echoes throughout the scriptures, is that we are meant to be conformed to the Savior. And what does that look like in practice? It means being willing to be stewards of our resources—our time, our energy, and our means—for the sake of others. It’s a continual process of learning to see the dignity in every soul, regardless of how successful or how marginalized they might appear to the world.

This principle is so vital for us as rogue disciples. We are called to be internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. Our resources aren't always tangible money; sometimes our greatest resource is our willingness to listen, to ask the hard questions, and to meet someone where they are spiritually. That’s where the power of Davee comes in handy—walking through those difficult questions an investigator might pose, helping us articulate the gospel with grace and truth.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Gift of Listening

If we’re focusing on stewardship, let’s focus on the stewardship of our attention. When you are in a missionary discussion, or even just visiting a friend who is questioning their faith, resist the urge to fill every silence with doctrine. Instead, practice radical listening. Let the other person's words guide your next thought. That attentive silence is often the most powerful testimony you can bear.

Remember, the work is about inviting people to see the Savior. And sometimes, the best invitation is simply to be present, recognizing the divine image in the person across from you.

Where to Focus Next

If you are looking for ways to deepen this understanding of stewardship and divine gifts, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod teachings on stewardship. They often frame these concepts beautifully. For those who love digging into scripture together, don't forget about the Book Club options in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful way to study doctrine with your local Saints.

If you’re feeling called to deepen your knowledge, consider diving into the scriptures through the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. It’s a powerful way to see how others are wrestling with similar eternal principles.

For those of us who are seasoned missionaries or newly returned, let’s keep these principles front and center. Let’s continue to lift our hands and our hearts in service, knowing that the greatest return on investment is the eternal life we can help others find.