This attitude is at the center of the Reformed understanding of stewardship. Influenced by Calvin's teaching, we are expected to view life as a process of holy living exhibiting self-denial and always seeking God's will and destiny. We are encouraged to live a life of simplicity, to be savers and conservers of personal and natural resources. Responsible stewardship for Reformed followers leads us to a life of gratitude and generosity. Although an unending passion for God's will characterizes Reformed Christians, obviously most fall short of the mark.
Presbyterian realism sees our lives oscillating between forgiveness and thanksgiving.
Through a spirit of thanksgiving and sharing we give glory to God, grateful that there is a Divine purpose for each of us, whatever our circumstances in life. We see ourselves as the people of God called to be chaplains to one another, whatever our particular gifts may be, looking always to the Spirit's leading in the employment of our talents and resources. While the historic development of the Reformed tradition is indebted to the Swiss Reformers, and especially to Calvin, there is no consensus on a single definition of Reformed faith. Calvinists, or followers of the Swiss Reformers, became a Protestant alternative to Lutherans and Anabaptists. But common to all interpretations of the faith by Swiss Reformers is an underlying commitment to the Word, the sacraments, and discipline.