Stewardship
Support Stewardship: Stewardship has been indoctrinated by Native Americans throughout their history. Acts of stewardship is encouraged by tribal leaders via stories, legends and myths. These stories, legends and myths advocate taking care of ‘mother earth’ and only taking what is needed with out waste. Native Americans also promote respect for all living and nonliving things such as; animals, trees, grass, rocks, water, and air. Respect for nature is passed down from generation to generation.
Christians teach biblical stewardship. Man was created in the image of God. He was created to be master of all the earth, skies, and seas. Being created in the likeness of God, man should therefore strive to become competent stewards of the earth.
Being a steward of the earth doesn’t mean that we cannot advance and create a more comfortable world. What stewardship means is that whatever we do, we must also consider our impact on the world around us. Opening our minds to ideas which promote taking care of the world we live in can be as simple as; turn off a light when not in use, turn down the thermostat, recycle, re-use, and compost. Do what you can to make this a better and healthier world. We can learn from the past, from teachings and ideas that are held high through past generations. Have we forgotten those ideals? Have we forgotten how to take care of and preserve our land? We do not own the earth; instead we borrow it from our children and our grandchildren. Parents continually express the desire for their children to be better off than themselves. In order for this to happen we must teach our children to be stewards of the earth, lovers of nature, and aware of their surroundings. Children and nature go hand in hand. Children are willing and eager to learn. “Children are the key…” (Sustainable Schools, 2007). Mankind must accept responsibility.