"Ruth" was one of our kind-hearted widows at a congregation I served in western Washington. One day, Ruth gave a beautiful handmade decoration to our church. It was perfect in every way for the wall in our narthex. A welcome addition to the room, it received many positive comments.
I wanted to acknowledge her gift in our congregation's newsletter, but Ruth told me she would prefer that I not mention it. Well, I knew she was a sweet, humble person and she probably just didn't want us to make any fuss about her gift, but deep down inside would probably still appreciate some acknowledgement of what she had done. So I told her that we often recognized special gifts, accomplishments and acts of service in our newsletter and so this would be right in line with our practice. I thought this might convince her to say it was okay.
But, surprise, Ruth became a little more adamant in not wanting recognition in the newsletter. I asked her why. "Well, pastor," she said, "I didn't do it for recognition. I did it because I love the Lord and this little church and just wanted to add a little touch of my own to it. Besides, if I get credit for everything that I do on this side of heaven, what will there be left to get credit for when I get to heaven?"
Wow, I have rarely seen such genuine humility. I knew Ruth didn't expect any particular "credit" in heaven, but I also know that at least one "Well done, good and faithful servant" would be coming her way.
I found out recently that she has passed from this life to life eternal and I wonder if right now she and Jesus are talking about some of those good and godly things she did when she was here among us. Ruth was a special steward who understood and practiced stewardship...what I call "the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God's family, the church, in managing all of life and life's resources for God's purposes."
(As director of LCMS Stewardship Ministry, Pastor Reinhardt serves with LCMS District and Congregational Services. Working together to disciple all nations, the national stewardship mission is to enable district leaders to inform, inspire and develop congregations and their members as managers of God's gifts.)