At Stewart family gatherings one game that always gets dusted off is, “monopoly”. Life can sometimes feel like a game of monopoly. During a recent family event, my wife Ailsa asked me; “why are you aways so happy when you play this frustrating game”!? My answer was simple. It’s the jeopardy of playing the game that I enjoy, not the winning or the losing.
The reputed (1) creator of the games’ concept, Lizzie Magie, was the daughter of Scottish immigrants. “The game of life” she called it, with the purpose of experiencing firsthand what the accumulation of wealth or, loss of wealth, feels like. It was made popular by the Quakers who found it invaluable in showing capitalism in a new light. Charles Darrow took it to commercial success and became a millionaire. In contrast, Lizzie, ironically, got nothing.
As seekers of Jesus Christ, our game of life revolves around finding Him. (2) Seeking Jesus Christ is a privilege once you understand that He has paved the way for us to both find him and become like Him. I have found that being a grateful steward is making all the difference to me on my journey to Him.
Our family name originated from the high stewards of Scotland. The Stewarts’ role of servants led to them eventually becoming a generation of Kings. Likewise, as seekers of Jesus Christ, we are servants, sanctified through Jesus Christ’s atonement, to become like Him.
Our Family Moto is “Virescit vulnere virtus”, which translates as “courage grows strong at a wound”. I am finding that my courage is strongest when I, as a steward, understand where my real purpose and power lies.
A revelation given in Kirtland, Ohio by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831, addresses the significance of stewardship: “And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.” (3) This accountability is central to the ultimate promises of faithful stewards. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant .. That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” (4)
Akin to the monopoly game, the opposite to being a Steward is to be an un grateful owner. Ownership can be defined as what is most important to me is that which I possess. (5) Stewardship on the other hand is what is most important to me is who gave it to me or entrusted it to my care. (6) How we play the game of life can be transformational when we understand who we serve, and as we try to improve upon the events (the jeopardy) that occurs on our journey around the board in the great game of life.
Like monopoly, the joy when you purchase the prestigious park lane card, or in contrast, when you land on a devastating chance card, or in some cases, all your money is lost on the throw of a dice, the game of life will deliver both the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. The apostle, Paul, emphasised the attitude we need to become exceptional stewards. (7) “in every thing, give thanks”.
As a grateful steward our lives can take on greater meaning than anything the world offers, our lives can literally be a canvas for Gods glory, as David shared in psalms “god is the owner.” “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein”. (8)
I invite you to become a grateful steward as you play this challenging game of life. If faithful we are supported by the hope that is in Jesus Christ and His promises to us.
“That he shall make him ruler over all his goods”.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Notes:
- The New York Times, Monopoly’s inventor: The progressive Who didn’t pass go. (2015)
- Ether 12:41
- D&C 72:2
- Matthew 24:45-47
- Oxford Dictionary (ownership)
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Stewardship)
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Psalms 24:1