The life of a Christian steward is lived as a disciple of Christ. As the U.S. Bishops point out in their pastoral letter on stewardship, “Following Jesus is the work of a lifetime. At every step forward, one is challenged to go further in accepting and loving God’s will. Being a disciple is not just something else to do, alongside many other things suitable for Christians, it is a total way of life and requires continuing conversion.”
This is accomplished by personal accountability in our use of Time in Prayer, Service using our Talents, and Generous Sharing of our Treasure. It means a day-by-day, moment-by-moment living out of these characteristics, particularly when it is most difficult to do so. If we relied solely on ourselves, such a commitment would seem overwhelming . The stewardship way of life teaches that we are capable of nothing on our own; and that is true especially when it comes to fulfilling this commitment to discipleship. Instead, it is made possible through the gift of God’s grace, which, in His love, He makes ever-present for us, so long as we ask for and respond to it.