A first glimpse into the neighborhoods near Lusaka, Zambia, the real beauty of the compounds goes unnoticed by my American eyes. The signs and smells of apparent poverty consume the senses. Careful to not assume or judge, I wanted to understand how – in this challenging setting – a person understands the concept of stewardship of God’s abundance. My initial impressions of this neighborhood were false. This was not a place of limited resources and people who were both poor in spirit and lacking daily sustenance.
My wondering mind tried to project; how does a person living in Kanyama view the scriptures that address first fruits for God? My American lens saw shortfall and great need. My American heart wondered how I would view my creator God if I spent every day in the compound of Kanyama. Getting out of the bus with fellow muzungu (white people) raised many more questions and reactions: “Why this experience, Lord?” “What do you have for me to learn today?”
Time and reflection provided the refraction needed to consider these questions.
Reading from the book of Hebrews during this trip provided some insight. In Heb. 10 we have insight; we are made holy, not by our sacrifices and offerings but through the body of Jesus on the cross. John Calvin’s commentary describes “right stewardship” as that which is tested by the rule of love. Check out 1 Sam 15: 22; the Lord delights in our obedient hearts.
Repeated trips into Kanyama - with corrective lenses - revealed a culture that places people above time and tasks. Hospitality reigns in these homes. Careful observation reveals children playing with sticks and old hubcaps, street vendors creatively displaying their crafts and colorful vegetables, and teachers who share their time and resources with their students and offer their wisdom and time to families who needed encouragement. A community spirit thrives in Kanyama. Loving your neighbor, even the muzungus who dropped in now and then, seems a better understanding of stewardship and the rule of love described in Hebrews.
The material riches of the people of Kanyama are shared in community to support family and neighbors alike. Enough for each day – enough for each child and neighbor – comes in ways not that unusual or surprising when the American “scales” fall off.
Stewardship lessons – whether in Zambia, Israel or America – are available to the awakening heart.
Stewardship is richer by far in the context of possessing a heart for God, His people, and gratefulness for God’s saving grace. Abundance is not found in resources alone, but in God’s unconditional love. Eyes to see God in others and hope in difficult settings; these contribute to a deeper understanding of stewardship.
In gratefulness for my new friends in Zambia. Your hospitality and resourcefulness are a testimony of God’s love.
