Luke 16:10-12 (NASB) “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12 And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
We have a problem, one of many, but I’m going to talk about this one in particular. It’s a problem that I struggle with everyday and one that serves as a tremendous obstacle in drawing closer to God and a living a fully surrendered life. The problem I speak of is “ownership”. “That’s mine. I bought it, built it, created it, earned it. I own it!”
While hunting in Utah this past fall, my wife and I were blessed with making the acquaintance of a fellow hunter, but more importantly a brother in Christ, Mr. Glade. At the end of our hunt, after we packed up, we swung by his camp to say farewell. My wife had developed a nasty heel blister, and upon hearing of her pain, Glade insisted on saddling up one of “his” horses to take her out. My wife resisted, stating that it wouldn’t be necessary. Glade was having none of that talk, and proceeded saddling the animal. As he was doing so, he made a profession. He said, and I quote, “I own nothing. Every thing entrusted to my care, belongs to my Father. Therefore, it’s family property. So Sister, I figure you’re riding your own horse down off this mountain.” And that was that. With a smile from ear to ear, my wife got a 3 mile horseback ride and I brought up the rear just trying to keep pace. She got to ride, but I got something of greater value. I got a dose of truth, perspective and conviction.
Glade is precisely right. Scripture tells us, both in old testament and new testament passages, that we bring nothing into this world and take nothing out. We are merely stewards of the gifts God chooses to entrust us with. Glade understood this principle, and he lived it.
Now, the things of this life are temporal. They are not eternal, and therefore have little value in the big picture. Things of the Spirit, however, are eternal and more precious than one can even remotely comprehend. If we do not manage the temporal, low value, earthly gifts well, would God entrust us with immeasurable precious gifts of the Spirit? Clutching, coveting, abusing or mismanaging of the temporal gifts is a certain way to stack an immense obstacle between ourselves and a deeper, more fulfilling spiritual connection with Jesus Christ.
So, ask yourself, are you an owner or a steward? Are the blessings you’ve received your’s or are they family property? Have a blessed weekend
Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
