Stewarding Divine Trust: Preserving Spiritual and Moral Value
The answer is that the proper use of entrusted property is seen as a means to preserve its spiritual and moral worth, since no matter how significant property may appear, it truly belongs to God, and man is merely its steward, entrusted with this value. In other words, when a person manages property in accordance with divine purpose, he not only demonstrates responsible behavior but also strengthens the spiritual and moral bonds within society.As noted in one source, St. John emphasizes: "This idea is repeatedly and thoroughly elaborated by St. John. 'You,' he says in one discourse, 'are merely a steward of your property... and you cannot squander your treasures at your own discretion. Even if you receive a parental inheritance and thereby all the property becomes your own—still, all of it belongs to God.
And if you demand that the property you have been given is managed according to your design, do you really think that God will not claim His own property from us with even greater strictness, and will not take notice when it is squandered without any benefit?... As you instruct a servant similar to yourself on how to manage your property, so it pleases God that you make proper use of this property. Therefore, although He can deprive you, He leaves you with the opportunity to discover your good neighbor... Do not think that what has been divinely commanded to you, as your own property, is truly yours. God has given it to you temporarily so that you may use it for good. Thus, do not consider it your own when you give Him what belongs to Him'" (source: link txt).Furthermore, the correct use of other people's resources not only preserves spiritual wealth but also promotes the spread of love and gratitude within society. One text emphasizes: "When people who do not possess wealth, but benefit from that of others, nurture a sense of gratitude towards their benefactors—an expression no other than a well-known form of love—the sum of love in the world increases, new spiritually unifying bonds are forged within the community, and the Divine laws that sustain life are fulfilled. This attitude is correct from a Christian point of view" (source: link txt).Thus, the connection between the proper use of entrusted property and preserving its spiritual and moral value lies in the fact that rational and responsible handling of property (which, essentially, is a gift from God) not only prevents its wastefulness but also transforms it into a tool for manifesting love, fulfilling Divine laws, and fostering spiritual unity in both individuals and society as a whole.