We make a monumental mistake when we play the game "that's mine!" God has graciously given us all things to enjoy. Fundamental to this is our understanding that God is the Creator and Owner of everything. Everything we are and everything we have is His. When we grasp this truth then we begin to understand that if we don't own anything, then we must be stewards of God's creation. True stewardship is built upon the foundational understanding that it all belongs to God. The believers in Macedonia understood this fact clearly and devoted themselves completely to the Lord. The result was that any gift they gave to the ministry was a consequence of this devotion.
And the did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. (2 Corinthians 8:5)
One of the hindrances to stewardship in the disciple's life is falling in love with money and what we foolishly think money can buy (i.e., security, satisfaction, popularity [after all its usually the rich who get elected], happiness, etc.). Having a love affair with money is a dangerous relationship that will leave us abandoned one day. James presents several common sins associated with the love of money:
- Placing trust in the temporary (James 5:1-3).
- Hoarding wealth, rather than using it for good (James 5:3).
- Using dishonest means to get rich (James 5:4).
- Living in self-indulgent luxury (James 5:5).
When God calls us to do something He gives us what is necessary to carry out that calling. He never envisioned that we would fall in love with the provision and not the Provider. All of His resources are available to get the job done. How are we using what God has given us?
Grace & Peace,
Scott
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