Stewardship and Justice

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8

Conservative values often emphasize good stewardship—of our finances, resources, and institutions. This stewardship flows from the biblical understanding that everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely caretakers of His gifts.

But stewardship extends beyond fiscal responsibility. We are also called to be stewards of justice—to ensure our systems and structures don't oppress the vulnerable. Justice isn't opposed to conservatism; it's an essential part of it. When we advocate for policies that strengthen families, promote work, and encourage virtue, we're laying foundations for true justice.

Being a compassionate conservative means recognizing that sometimes the market or traditional institutions fail certain communities. In those moments, our response shouldn't be callous indifference. Instead, we're called to thoughtfully consider how to address injustice while staying true to conservative principles like subsidiarity—solving problems at the most local level possible.

Daily Practice: Examine an issue where conservative Christians are often criticized for lacking compassion. Ask yourself honestly: Have we sometimes prioritized abstract principles over real human suffering? Journal about how you might advocate for both conservative values and concrete compassion in this area.

Prayer: God of justice and mercy, help me be a faithful steward of all You've entrusted to me. Give me wisdom to discern when my conservatism needs to be tempered with greater compassion, and when my compassion needs to be guided by conservative wisdom. May I never choose between justice and mercy, but pursue both as You do. Amen.