God Owns Everything
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, it’s far too easy to believe everything I have is mine through my hard work, and my hard work alone. Help me to remember that everything I have is actually yours, and to cherish and respect all that you share with me each and every day.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Psalm 24:1
“…for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.”Psalm 50:10
“The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.” Psalm 89:11
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:16-18
REFLECT:
I wouldn’t call myself a slob, but it isn’t accurate to say my default setting is to be neat. When I’m at home, it’s pretty easy to “take care of it later.” My neatness game is definitely better when I’m a guest. If I stay the night at my parents’ house, for example, I always put the bedroom back together just as I found it. Why am I better taking care of my parents’ guest room than I am my own place?
I think I can find the answer in how my question is flawed: I think I own something. The reality is there is nothing that I, myself, own. God is the creator and owner of everything. He just happens to be super-generous with me by lending me a great house, a car, golf clubs, nice furniture, a comfortable bed, more streaming TV services than I can really watch. It goes on and on. Too often I think of it as mine, and I end up not appreciating and treating all God has given me with the care and respect that I should.
APPLY:
If you’re like me, it’s easy to take what you have for granted, and to not often enough appreciate and respect all that God has provided. If that sounds at all like you, try imagining that all your possessions are really someone else’s and you’ve been entrusted with their care. Would you do anything different? Would it feel different?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for providing me with everything I need and then some. Help me to remember always that everything belongs to you and to always be grateful for how you share with me so generously.