Bishop Gérald Caussé’s “Our Earthly Stewardship” (Oct 2022 General Conference) teaches that God’s created world is a gift entrusted to us. Love for the earth and for people is not optional—it’s part of discipleship. We’re called to 1) remember that all things belong to God, 2) care wisely for creation and especially for people, and 3) co-create with God in His ongoing work. Faithful stewardship brings spiritual blessings and the joy of the Lord.

Three core principles of stewardship

1. “The earth is the Lord’s.”
   God is Creator and Owner; we are stewards of what is His — our families, bodies, time, and life itself. Stewardship implies responsibility and accountability.
2. “We must honor and care for creation.”
   Agency isn’t license. Use the earth’s resources “with prudence, without excess,” caring for the environment and — above all— for people as God’s children. Caring for the earth is a sacred duty and a dimension of discipleship, not just politics or science.
3. “We are invited to co-create with God.”
   Creation continues. God expects us to multiply what He entrusts — cultivate the earth, create beauty (art, music, architecture), make discoveries, build homes, and raise families. The highest form of co-creation is giving and nurturing life, reminding us of the sanctity of body and life.

Key teachings & accents

• Beauty leads to gratitude. Nature awakens thanks to the Father and the Son; gifts come with the charge to manage them well.
• Discipleship = love for creation and neighbor. We can’t love God while despising what He made. The pinnacle of stewardship is loving and lifting people—our “neighbors in the heart,” wherever they live. Work for peace, protect the vulnerable, relieve suffering, and share the gospel.
• Wise use of resources. Personal habits — moderation, order, and cultivating beauty at home — are real expressions of faithful stewardship.
• Multiply talents. Like the parable of the talents, God expects not mere preservation but increase — “to grow and improve” what’s entrusted, guided by the Spirit.
• Accountability & promises. Faithful stewards feel more of God’s love now and will hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” if they honor their covenants and their stewardship toward creation and people.

Doctrinal anchors (as taught in the talk)

• Scriptures on God’s ownership and our stewardship over earthly things.
• The charge to use resources “with prudence and without excess or extortion.”
• The command to love our neighbor as the universal standard (not only geographic).
• The parable of the talents as a pattern for active, creative stewardship.

Practical applications (do this now)

Personal

• Audit consumption—avoid excess in food, energy, and purchases.
• Foster “order and beauty” in living spaces as gratitude to the Creator.
• Budget intentionally so you can give and serve.

Family

• Teach children responsible care for nature (outings, service, recycling).
• Discuss the sanctity of life and respectful care for the body; honor parenthood.

Community/Church

• Support local conservation and care initiatives.
• Serve “neighbors in the heart”: refugees, the lonely, the poor; build peace and trust.
• Share the gospel—the greatest gift of love.

Creativity & work

• Multiply talents: create beauty, innovate, and build what preserves life and earth.
• Evaluate your profession: how does it adorn the world and bless people?

Memorable lines (paraphrased)

• Creation is a gift of love for God’s children —“for the benefit of man, to please the eye and gladden the heart.”
• Caring for the earth is a holy duty and part of discipleship.
• “Neighbor” means closeness of heart, not just physical proximity — ultimately all who share the planet.
• God expects us to increase what He entrusts — guided by the Spirit, for others’ good.
• Faithful stewards receive greater influence and the Lord’s joy, now and eternally.