Discussion Questions August 2007

Adults

Clean, drinkable water is a precious, often invisible, blessing. Unpolluted, breathable air is, too. What other natural blessings do we have that we take for granted? How can we exercise good stewardship of these gifts?

The second man in the parable knew that his efforts to conserve were just “a drop in the bucket” but that conservation, like charity, begins at home. What are you doing – at your house, in your family – to help conserve precious resources?

In what ways are “conservation” and “good stewardship” the same? How are they different?

Teens

The first man in this parable was completely self-centered, taking and using whatever he wanted without considering the affect on others. The second man was more careful, realizing what a blessing it is to have easy access to clean, drinkable water. In what ways do you use water? Which man are you more like?

The second man knew that with regard to conservation and re-cycling, every little bit helps – and every litter bit hurts! What are you doing this summer to be a good steward of scarce natural resources?

The bottles of water that we consume and discard so casually take large amounts of raw materials and energy to produce. One way to be a good steward might be to buy a refill- able bottle (maybe with the logo of your school or youth group of favorite sports team) and fill and chill your own water, instead of buying bottled water. Can you think of other creative ways to help “save the planet”?

Children

Good stewardship means using something wisely or carefully. What things do you take especially good care of? Of what things are you a good steward?

Do you live where there is lots of water available or in a dry area where people have to be very careful about how much water they use? How many different ways do you use water every day?

What things do you recycle at your house? How is recycling good stewardship?