Hello
Recently, I caught myself defending my ‘property rights’ over some trivial items. No harm, no foul right? Except that not long after, I caught myself anticipating God’s ‘gracious’ provision, making reference to God as owner. hmmm. Isn’t it interesting how attached we get to ‘things’? Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” Psalms 24:1 NLT
In a world defined by consumerism, it may be hard for us to wrap our minds around this Nougat. Especially when God is not visibly enforcing ownership rights. (A few insurance folk might disagree with that, considering their ‘Acts is God’ clause, nevertheless the banks might contend that they are owners, especially when we have mortgages with them).
In one sense, ownership of things is non-issue. Perhaps the danger exists in our becoming consumed with ownership rights, or being possessed by our possessions. For, when that occurs, we lose sight of God’s provision and graciousness; sometimes to the extent of creating demigods of ourselves.
More so, If everything belongs to God, what are the implications for how we treat with what we ‘own’? In what ways do we use possessions to define ourselves or others? How attached are we to stuff? What extremes would we undertake in order to own or be seen with a particular item? And to what do we ascribe greater value – people or possessions?
Should we apply banking or insurance principles, if the entire Creation is God’s – people, planets, animals and artifacts alike – then we may need to adopt a different approach to acquisitioning and even tithing. For, in some instances, we consult our banks before making certain decisions or purchases, seek ‘investment advice’ and entertain little or no complaints about interest rates or insurance premiums. Yet, we are often challenged if asked to do likewise with God.
Lord, forgive our selfish behavior and teach us how to increase our appreciation for Your presence and provision in our lives. Help us to value possessions less and people more. Teach us to honor You through our handling of Your Creation and by our inclusion of Your opinion when seeking acquisitions. May our approach to tithing and also sharing with others be pleasing to You we pray, in Jesus name amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
