The Story of the Steward -By Ian Love-Jones

Odd Fellowship loves stories. It asks new candidates to tell their tale, it remembers its mission in poetic chants and songs, and it centers teaching tales in its system of degrees.

I’ve noticed that the stories which Odd Fellows seem to love most are the stories of stewards. This is true whether those stewards are sovereigns, seekers, shepherds or supporters, guides or guards, companions, caretakers, or complete outsiders.

What is so special about stewards? They are entrusted with precious or delicate things like life giving nourishment, opportunity, knowledge, safety, trust, influence, wealth, and much more. As teaching tales go, how well people care for the precious and the delicate, tells us a great deal about their character.

If a steward’s resources would make it easy to do harm, but instead the steward chooses kindness and mercy, their inner light is shown. And likewise, when a steward’s circumstances would make it hard to help, but they forge forward to lend a hand regardless, their true character is revealed.

It’s no coincidence that the story of the steward is the story of every Odd Fellow. We have each been entrusted with a life, a community, the confidence of others, and resources of the collective. And just like the teaching tales we love so much, we must choose every day to be a good steward of those precious and delicate gifts. 

Do you sometimes feel like you haven’t been the best steward of the precious or delicate things in your own life? Here’s a word of encouragement. Each new day is a chance to make new choices, and if whatever you’ve been entrusted with feels too much to bear, an Odd Fellow’s hand is always open to assist. 

How will you be a good steward today? 

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