This is the kick-off for our "Eternal Investments" stewardship program, a program that I designed, based upon key ministry elements, and we begin with "Loving Relationships." It's appropriate to begin talking about stewardship with a focus on relationships because relationships are at the core of stewardship. Being a good steward of God's gifts begins in our relationships with God, self, each other, Creation, those outside the church, those who sit with and work beside us; our time, talent, and money. We have relationships with all of these and more, and God's invitation is to keep God in the middle of every one of our relationships.

The challenge is that relationships are hard and messy. They don't always go as we wish. At times we can relate to something or someone in ways that push God and the Spirit away, while at other times, we can ask God how to live into healthy relationships with God, others, money, and even our stuff. When we seek to add God into the equations of our lives, Eternal Investments are revealed.