John Woolman’s simple statement in A Word of Remembrance and Caution to the Rich (1793) may serve as a beginning for all consideration of stewardship: “As Christians, all we possess is the gift of God, and in the distribution of it we act as his stewards; it becomes us therefore to act agreeable to that Divine wisdom which he graciously gives to his servants.”

The principle of stewardship thus applies to all that we have and are. We seek to apply the same spirit to the use and contribution of our corporate resources. We are obliged to cherish the earth and to protect all its resources in a spirit of humble stewardship, committed to the right sharing of these resources among people everywhere.

“To turn all we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives.” This, in the words of John Woolman, is the meaning of Quaker stewardship. To be good stewards in God’s Kingdom means that we are not to be possessed by our possessions, but rather that we learn to live more simply and with a willingness to share with others. In the contemporary world, which makes increasing demands on the earth’s finite resources, Friends are challenged to exercise the care and concern that can assure that future generations may inherit an earth on which they can live in hope and dignity.