I have had the honor of coaching all three of my kids in soccer. When you are a coach of a team of little ones, along with the fundamentals of the game and good sportsmanship, you want to teach the value of teamwork. If they can learn about how a team functions and why working together matters, that lesson can benefit them for many years to come.

The Body of Christ is a type of team. We are all called upon to use our talents and gifts in such a way that they complement those of others. We are stronger and capable of so much more together than when we are apart.

Our stewardship isn’t just about our personal call of God to cultivate our gifts and give them back with increase to Him. It is about how our stewardship way of life builds up the Body of Christ. The Body cannot function as God intended it to if parts of it are not fully giving of themselves. In community, we have the power to change the world around us because we bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who need to hear it and witness it by our actions.

This Lent, consider how you fit into the Body of Christ. How can your gifts and talents make the Church stronger? You just might be the missing component of a team that really needs help to make the greatest impact for Jesus.

-Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS