Post 27: The Six Stewardships That Lead to Joy

Magnify the six divine stewardships—spouse, children, talents, and more—to align with God’s work. Let Christ’s living water bring joy and purpose to every area of your life.

Joy is not found in temporary pursuits, but in faithfully magnifying the stewardships God has entrusted to us.

Introduction: A Life Centered on Eternal Priorities

What truly brings joy? The world offers many answers—wealth, fame, comfort—but they are fleeting, leaving the soul empty. True joy comes from aligning your life with eternal priorities, which are gifts from God. These priorities, or stewardships, are not just responsibilities; they are pathways to peace, growth, and happiness.

The Savior taught:

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:24)

When you lose yourself in magnifying these stewardships, you discover a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy—both now and in eternity.

Pain Point: A Misplaced Focus

Many live their lives distracted, focusing on temporary things that don’t last. They chase pleasures that fade, leaving them unfulfilled and searching for more. These distractions keep them from the stewardships that bring lasting joy.

President Nelson reminded us:

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

If your focus is misplaced, the peace and happiness you seek will always seem out of reach.

Principle: The Six Divine Stewardships

The Lord has entrusted each of us with sacred stewardships. These six areas of focus create a foundation for a joyful, Christ-centered life.

1. Becoming One with Your Spouse

Your spouse is your eternal partner. Together, you are building the cornerstone of an exalted family. Becoming one means more than just coexisting—it means striving to love, serve, and uplift each other daily. The unity you develop reflects your oneness with the Lord.

“Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:11)

2. Raising Your Family in Truth

As parents, you are entrusted with nurturing God’s children. Teaching them the gospel, providing love and guidance, and helping them develop their divine potential is a sacred stewardship. The joy of seeing them walk in truth is eternal.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 1:4)

3. Magnifying Your Gifts

Every person is blessed with unique talents and abilities. Discovering, developing, and sharing these gifts is part of fulfilling your divine potential. When you magnify your gifts, you bless others and glorify God.

“For of him unto whom much is given much is required.” (D&C 82:3)

4. Joining the Lord’s Work

Serving in the Lord’s vineyard—whether through missionary efforts, church service, or acts of kindness—is a privilege. As you align your will with His, you contribute to His eternal purposes and experience the joy of laboring alongside Him.

“Wherefore, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” (D&C 64:34)

5. Laboring with Integrity

Honest labor is not just a temporal necessity; it’s a spiritual discipline. The way you earn a living, interact with colleagues, and approach your work reflects your commitment to God.

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23)

6. Spreading God’s Love

The pure love of Christ should radiate in all you do. From small acts of kindness to major sacrifices, showing love transforms lives—yours and others’.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

The Lord’s Business and the River of Christ

When you engage in these six stewardships, you are engaging in the work of the Lord’s business (D&C 64:29). Think of it as a stream flowing toward the mighty river of Christ. Initially, it feels like your efforts are small and insignificant, but as you persist, the stream grows stronger, merging with His river.

This river symbolizes the joy and abundance that flow when we align our lives with Christ and His work. Yet, this process is reciprocal. As you focus on His work, it isn’t just you flowing toward Him—it is He flowing into you. Christ, the source of living water, fills your life. His power doesn’t merely fill your cup; it overflows, turning your little stream into a river of abundance.

This is no ordinary river. It flows as fast and as deeply as you are prepared to receive. When you yield to the Holy Ghost, you allow God to work within you. His Spirit enables you to subdue the natural man, magnify your stewardships, and live in joy.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Through Christ, your efforts are magnified, and you are prepared to receive every good thing—eventually, even all that the Father has.

Invitation: Focus on Your Stewardships

Take a moment to reflect:

• Are these six stewardships a priority in your life?
• Which areas need greater attention or effort?
• How can you magnify these stewardships today?

As you align your life with these divine priorities, Christ’s power will flow into and through you. You will become an instrument in His hands, accomplishing far more than you ever could on your own.

Blessing: A Life of Joy and Purpose

When you magnify your stewardships, you experience joy in every step of your journey:

• Joy in becoming one with your spouse, united in purpose and love.
• Joy in raising children who walk in truth and light.
• Joy in developing and sharing your talents to bless others.
• Joy in serving the Lord’s purposes and feeling His power in your life.
• Joy in laboring with integrity and offering your work to Him.
• Joy in spreading His love and seeing its impact on others.

This is the life Christ invites you to live—a life of joy, peace, and purpose, now and forever.

Originally published December 21, 2024.