John Woolman said, “As Christians all we possess are the gifts of God…To turn all the
treasures we possess into the channel of Universal Love becomes the business of our
lives.”

The principle of stewardship applies to all we have and are. As individuals, we are
called to use our time, our various abilities, our strength, our money, and our material
possessions with care, managing them wisely and sharing them generously. From the indwelling Seed of God, we discover our particular gifts and discern the
service to which we are called.

In making choices about occupation or education, consider the way that offers the
fullest opportunity to develop your individual abilities and contribute to the world
community while providing for yourself and your family. In daily work, manifest a spirit of
justice and understanding, and thus give a living witness to the truth. Be ready to limit engagements, to withdraw for a time, or even to retire from an activity that inhibits your ability to follow a higher call.

Try to discern the right moment to accept new responsibilities as well as to relinquish
responsibility that can pass to others.

Be open to your calling in different stages of life. Meetings need the strength and vigor
of young people as well as the experience and wisdom of elders. Although they may
not be able to contribute great financial support, their energy and insight invigorate the
community.

As people begin careers and families, they may need the spiritual and experienced help
of the Meeting. Later, when families are growing up and careers are established, greater
participation in the Meeting and greater financial support may become possible.
Welcome the approach of old age, your own and others’, as an opportunity for wisdom
and greater attachment to the Light.

Meetings should be ready with material and spiritual support for those suffering from
unemployment or facing difficult vocational decisions.

Queries:
How have I been faithful to the leadings of the Spirit in choosing work or vocation?
What am I doing with my talents, time, money, and possessions?
Am I sharing them according to the Light I am given?
Is my conduct at the workplace consistent with my life as a Friend?
How does my daily work enhance my spiritual life?
How does the Meeting help and support members who are in job transitions?

Come to Meeting with hearts and minds prepared to be open and faithful to the leadings of the Spirit. Then the conduct of business will lead to truth, unity, and love.

When a matter is before the Meeting for Business, each person present contributes to the corporate search for a decision that accords with the will of God. Inaction is a form of action.

Silent worship in the Meeting for Business contributes to the process of achieving unity. Listen attentively to othersʼ words and use the silence between messages to reflect carefully on what you might contribute. When you are clear, speak simply what is in your heart, without repeating what has already been offered. While making your insights clear, lay aside personal opinions and attend to what God requires.

Do I attend Meeting for Business regularly?

Do I speak in Meeting for Business only when I am led to speak?

Is the Meeting for Business held as a Meeting for Worship in which we seek divine guidance for our actions?

Are we tender and considerate of different views, coming to a decision only when we have found unity?

Do we give prayerful support for our clerks that they may be sensitive to the movement of the Spirit among us?