“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” – Psalm 24:1 (NKJV)
Psalm 24:1 declares that everything belongs to God. Every person, animal, and nation truly belongs to God since He created them. This one verse alone makes an incredible statement about the ownership of the world and everything contained within it – it belongs to God.
What is important to note is that even though everything belongs to Him, it is our responsibility to look after and take care of them – stewarding. We have responsibilities to take care of and resources to manage. Thus, we must not only seek to save souls, but we must care for the world, as well, thereby honouring God and caring for His creation.
When we take care of other people and the environment, we understand how to apply wisdom in the use of our spiritual gifts and money since nothing truly belongs to us. Not money, not wealth, not our gifting, or talent. James 1:17 (NKJV) admonishes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
God values His creation and is not only concerned about the worldly material things but also the spiritual things. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 (NKJV), “There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” Every believer is equipped by the Lord and is expected to be the steward of his/her gift to use for God’s purposes according to His direction. One of the greatest stewardships to God and to others is to operate in your gift (1 Peter 4:10).
We should also be stewards of our time. How do you honour God with it? What about your resources? How do you handle the resources you’re blessed with? Understand that everything we have comes from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…”. Are you honouring God with your tithes, First Fruit, and offering? A good steward will always be rewarded, as stated plainly in Colossians 3:23-24.
Steward for the glory of the Lord. Don’t hinder Him from blessing you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for the gift of this earth, its beauty, and all its inhabitants. Thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. Help us to take care of the earth, its people and everything You have entrusted to us. I pray that You give us the wisdom to manage our time, gifts, talents, and our resources in ways only to honour You and serve others. Help us to be faithful stewards and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Job 41:11; 1 Peter 4:10
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:113-120; Titus 3; Lamentations 1; Lamentations 2:1-6
