One of the things that I have the privilege of doing is teaching a Senior High Small Group Bible study on Sunday mornings. Right now, we are doing a study entitled, "Discovering God's Way of Handling Our Finances." This turning out to be a great study; one that I hope all the students are taking seriously. I'm leading the study and yet I'm learning and be reminded of things just like the rest of the students.
Well anyway... this is Lesson #1 - I OWN NOTHING! That's right, you and I own nothing, because God in fact owns it all.
1 Chron. 29:11 - "For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours... O Lord."
Ps. 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord's, and all it's fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."
Ps. 50:10 - "For every beast of the forest is Mine and the cattle on a thousand hills."
Haggai 2:8 - "'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts."
No where in God's world does it speak about Him transfering ownership to us. No, it still all belongs to Him. We are simply stewards and managers of His resources. Why is this so important to realize and accept this?
1) It will make us do a better job of handling the finances that have been entrusted to us. Far too many people struggle financially today, even though we live in one of the most properous nations on earth. And it's not always because we don't have sufficient income. Most of the time, it's because we haven't learned how to handle what we've been given; i.e. doing it His Way.
2) It will also cause us to have the right perspective and attitude regarding all the finances and resources in our care. What happens when something breaks down or is stolen? Do we get angry and bitter? Does it steal our joy? Our peace? It probably wouldn't if we correctly recognized that it was never OURS to begin with.
When we have the right perspective about all the money and possessions that's in our care, all kinds of decisions (like saving, investing, and spending... and not just giving) will become spiritual decisions. We begin to pray not, "Lord, what should I do with my money?"... But rather, "Lord, what would You have me do with YOUR money."
2 comments:
Great topic! It's so hard for people to be content these days, because they are so focused on self, and what 'I want right now'. They think stuff will make them happy, when it's only when we realize that it all belongs to the Lord, and that we don't need stuff to be validated, that we are truly happy.
I agree.
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