Being Good Stewards

Martha Berry was a lady with a vision to help poor children. She wanted to start a school, but she had no books, she had no building and she had no money. But what she did have was a dream. She went to Henry Ford to ask for a donation and Mr. Ford reached into his pocket and gave Martha a dime. Now, most people would be insulted by that for he was a multimillionaire and all he could offer was a dime. But Martha took that dime and bought a pack of seeds and planted a garden. She raised a crop, sold it and bought more seeds. And after three or four harvests she had enough money to purchase an old building. She returned to Mr. Ford and said look what your dime has done. The man was so impressed that he donated a million dollars to the Berry School. So the question lies before us this morning. What will we do with what God has given us?

-"Good Stewards" by Rev. Ashley Buchanan (November 1, 2023)

From the story of Martha Berry and her journey in creating the Berry School, there are several lessons that Christians can learn about using what they are given to do good in the world:

1. Embracing the Power of Small Beginnings:

Martha Berry's story exemplifies the power of starting small. Even when the resources seem scarce, it's crucial to recognize and value the potential within those limited resources. A seemingly insignificant amount, such as a dime, when combined with dedication and vision, can lead to something substantial and impactful. This teaches Christians to never underestimate the significance of small contributions, talents, or resources at their disposal.

2. Faithfulness and Resourcefulness:

Martha Berry's persistence and resourcefulness in utilizing the dime received from Henry Ford to sow the seeds for a garden reflects faithfulness and diligent stewardship. She didn't just accept the small donation passively; she actively worked to multiply it, illustrating the concept of faithful and responsible handling of what is given. This lesson encourages believers in Jesus to be diligent and creative with the resources, skills, or opportunities they possess.

3. Demonstrating the Power of Transformation and Impact:

The story portrays the transformative impact of faithful and dedicated stewardship. Martha Berry's actions led to a series of transformations, from a dime to a garden, crops, money, and eventually a school that made a significant difference in the lives of many. This teaches Christians the potential for profound impact through consistent and purposeful use of the resources and talents they've been entrusted with, ultimately glorifying God through the good works accomplished.

In essence, the story of Martha Berry emphasizes the importance of starting small, being faithful and resourceful with what one has, and recognizing the potential for transformation and impact through faithful stewardship of the gifts and resources given by God.