Wednesday, January 18, 2023
When I think about ownership and stewardship, they fall in the same category, for me at least. Hear me out—I know the difference between owning something and taking care of what's not mine, but when it comes to my life, it’s not mine. It belongs to the Lord. Everything I own can be reduced to just mere possessions that I have gained by living the life I have been given. As we gain more in life, with it comes more responsibility, and we should steward it accordingly.
Luke 12:42
And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.”
I was watching 1923—it's funny! Elsa Dutton said something that completely goes hand-in-hand with Abraham’s story: “There are only three answers to a prayer: 'Yes,’ ‘Not yet,’ and ‘I have something else in mind for you.’
I find it amazing the way God speaks to us.
Many times I have prayed, “Please, let me have this,” or “I want that,” but I think God was trying to teach me how to steward my own life by replying “Not yet,” or, “I have something else for you.” Every time I tried to take the outcome into my own hands, I failed. When I stop and pray to God, “This isn't my life I'm living, it's yours. Guide me with what you would have done,” I don't get what I want. I end up either being completely surprised by what comes into my life, or I realize what I wanted to happen was never meant for me.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
I like the way Lead Pastor Ben Snyder put it into perspective,
OWNERship—It's mine!
STEWARDship—It’s God’s.
I-DON’T-GIVE-A-ship—Who Cares!?
Living open-handedly and not idolizing either a possession or what we think is ours is stewardship. When we realize that everything we do points to God, it changes how we do life. When we mess up, we will likely be judged by others, and in turn that judgment can be aimed at all Christians (even when we own up to the mistake ourselves). On the other hand, we can make better choices with the gifts we have been given and lead others by example.
Leading by example—what a great way to steward the life we’ve been given and also praise the most loving owner I know, God.
Questions:
Which of the three “ships” are you living out: ownership, stewardship, or I-don’t-give-a-ship? Have you ever prayed for something, and God said “Not yet,” or “I have something else in mind”?
Next Steps:
Take some time to thank God for all he’s given you to take care of. Invite someone to church with you so they can learn to be in it to win it.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 10 Prayer Focus - To Connect with God Relationally (Romans 8:15)
Father, I come to you in prayer today thankful that I am your child. You have forgiven me and adopted me as your own. You have made me righteous and restored our relationship. I am so grateful that you are my Father. Thank you for loving me. I love you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Parent Prayer
This post was written by Casey Stengel. Casey is a follower of Christ, a dad, and an avid Chicago sports fan. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He works in recovery and loves to help people however he can. He is also working toward his Associate Degree in Biblical Studies.