I’ll never forget a professor in college who taught a class on world history. One day he dramatized how in all societies there are two types of people: owners of property and businesses and those who work for them. His point was clear: if you own “stuff” you have value and bring value to society. If you don’t, you don’t. How much do you think he was right?
The sad thing is to a large degree we do value people based on what they own and have. God, on the other hand, knows He really owns all; and therefore, values not what people have but who they are. God created you and values you for who He created you to be. He has endowed you with gifts and talents to be expressed and used for His eternal glory.
RELEVANCE
When I was a lot younger one of my priorities was to own a house; a big one. I felt it would give me a real stake in the community. As an apartment renter I didn’t feel like I had much value in the community. I had an improper image of home ownership because I had an improper image of self.
God did enable us to buy a house; but for a different purpose. The house turned into a ministry. He sent people from miles to participate in gatherings where He would pour out His Spirit in amazing ways.
In time, however, God tested me. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say I failed some tests. Long story short, God taught me a lot on values. Home ownership has become a lower priority in relation to serving God; and being a steward in His Kingdom has become everything. I learned the reality and wisdom of preferring to “be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents (or mansions) of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).
Grasping hold of the reality of stewardship will change your values and priorities. Seeing your house as God’s house makes all the difference. Seeing eternal value will change your life.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do you value stuff in the world vs. things of eternal value of God’s Kingdom?
This is subject worth chewing on.
REFERENCES
Matthew 6:19-21