Canonical Essay 06
Who Is the Steward?
Every philosophy begins with an understanding of the human person.
Business of Soul is no different.
Before we can understand stewardship, we must understand the steward.
The steward is not defined by wealth, position, influence, or achievement.
The steward is defined by relationship.
We are not self-created.
We are created.
We are not the source of life.
We are the recipients of life.
Everything else follows from that truth.
If life is a gift, then it is also an entrustment.
If it is an entrustment, then it carries responsibility.
Business of Soul therefore speaks of (G-d; literally "The Name" — the way G-d is referred to in reverence.) not simply because of theology, but because stewardship has no foundation without One who entrusts.
Without an entrustment, there can be no steward.
Without a steward, there can be no stewardship.
This relationship does not diminish human freedom.
It gives freedom purpose.
Freedom is not merely the ability to choose.
It is the opportunity to choose faithfully.
Every decision becomes a response.
Every relationship becomes a trust.
Every opportunity becomes an invitation.
The steward is therefore not defined by what he possesses.
He is defined by how he responds.
Some are entrusted with much.
Some with little.
Faithfulness is not measured by comparison.
It is measured by response.
This understanding transforms identity.
We are not merely consumers of the world.
We are cultivators.
We are not merely owners.
We are caretakers.
We are not merely builders.
We are guardians of what has been placed into our hands.
This applies equally to individuals and institutions.
An institution is simply a community of stewards joined by a shared purpose.
Its responsibility is no different.
To receive faithfully.
To cultivate wisely.
To strengthen what has been entrusted.
To pass it forward in better condition than it was received.
The steward therefore lives with humility.
Not because his work is unimportant.
But because he recognises that its source lies beyond himself.
Gratitude naturally follows.
Responsibility naturally follows.
Hope naturally follows.
Business of Soul exists to help people become more faithful stewards.
Not because perfection is possible.
But because faithfulness is always possible.
The steward’s question is never,
“What do I deserve?”
It is,
“How shall I respond to what (G-d; literally "The Name" — the way G-d is referred to in reverence.) has entrusted to me?”
Everything else begins there.