From the very beginning, human beings have been called as stewards, cultivators, overseers of God's beautiful world. We haven't always taken that responsibility seriously, often turning our calling into domination rather than cultivation. Jesus invites us to remember our calling.

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16), is sometimes called Jesus' most difficult parable. It's about money, but it's actually about much more than money. It shows us something about our responsibility to care for the world, not placing unreasonable barriers or restrictions on those who seek to enter the kingdom of God.

We are reminded that God desires all that we are, but not more than that. Because of the love of Christ, we are not hopelessly indebted. God wants our hearts, for us to surrender to His kingship in Jesus, and he meets us where we are with his love, inviting us on the path of deeper life.

This Sunday, we explore this idea of stewardship, cultivation, blessing, and the "Bare Essentials" of the gospel.