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The phrase “value added” has become a catch-phrase
in a variety of circles. Simply put, it means
enhancing something and in some way.
We might think in terms of “new and improved”...
or “better than ever”... or “lasts longer”... or
double the amount for the same money. As a culture
we look for value added. We want to see the basic
a little better. Whether or not you are familiar
with the label “value added,” we are all familiar
with the principle.
So it is a bit of a puzzle that, as a culture, we
don't seem to comprehend a primary reason why
humankind is here on earth. It is all about value
added. God creates humans to tend His garden, to
be a part of the process of creation. Our
responsibility is to accept and embrace God's
gracious abundance and build upon it, add value to
it, and return it to God and His purposes.
Perhaps this concept is hard for us to see because
typically we expect our efforts to be quickly and
tangibly rewarded in some way. When we do well we
anticipate some tangible recognition. But with
God, all that we need is always provided,
and His love is always forthcoming. So there is
not necessarily something that stands out as
tangible reward. Our primary reward comes in
being in harmony with God's yearnings for us.
We tend to think of adding value in terms of
improving on something and then seeing a greater
payoff for that improvement. We tend to think in
terms of short- term. We also tend to think in
terms of what believe we or our loved-ones need
today. But God is the God of eternity.
Everything that we do to participate in the
process of creation has value in God's eternal
plan. We may not see the results now but every
creative effort we make in accordance with His
yearnings matters.
Stewardship is at the very core of our beings as
creations of God. Stewardship is value added. We
take the abundance with which God graces us, care
for it, and to the best of our ability build upon
it.
We may become so overwhelmed with the demands of
our lives that we tend to overlook the yearnings
of our God. We tend to get caught up in thriving
and succeeding according to the standards of our
culture. Yet, what really matters is being
faithful to the loving desires of our Creator for
us.
Every moment, in every act, our call is to add to
God’s creation, to steward his gracious gifting to
us, to do well in God’s eyes. We are to use
everything that we are, do, and have to God’s
glory; to acts of creating. |
