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THE OWNERSHIP ISSUE
by Robert Morris
Have you ever seen two toddlers fighting over a toy? If you have, you know exactly how it works. Each one holds onto the toy tightly as they both shout “Mine!” With three children and now nine grandchildren, I’ve seen this scenario play out many times. Ironically, many times the toy they’re fighting over doesn’t even belong to them. It belongs to someone else. With our family, it was usually a toy Debbie or I bought for them.
How many times do we look at the “toys” we have and think “Mine!”? Maybe it’s a house, car, job, relationship, or even money. The truth is, everything on earth is God’s. Just look at today’s verse, Psalm 24:1. Everything in our possession came from Him. Even our lives. This leads me to a deeper question: To whom do you belong?
If you have given your life to Jesus, it’s an easy answer. You belong to God! While it may seem simple, this is one of the fundamental issues that shapes our lives as Christians, because when we realize our lives actually belong to God, we start acting differently. The same thing happens when we realize our stuff really isn’t “our stuff.” It doesn’t belong to us; it belongs to God.
When you borrow something valuable from a friend—say, a car—you’re more likely to drive a little more carefully and return it in better condition than you received it. How much would change if you acted this way with everything you have, including your life? It’s one of the most important things to consider in our Christian lives, because until we settle the question of ownership in our hearts, we cannot truly be good stewards. In fact, recognizing that everything belongs to God is where stewardship begins in our lives. You’ll be amazed at the changes that take place in your life when you adopt this mindset.
As you read through this devotional over the next 28 days, I encourage you to do so with this truth in mind: everything I have belongs to God, including my life. Once you change your thinking on this issue (and your actions follow accordingly), you’ll begin to see that you belong to a generous God who wants to give you more blessings and gifts than you can imagine.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for trusting me to be a steward of everything You’ve put in my care. I choose to believe that everything belongs to You, and I pray that You will show me how and give me the grace to become a better steward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. PSALM 24:1 (NLT)
About this Plan
This devotional plan from Gateway Church is inspired by Robert Morris' new book "Beyond Blessed: God's Perfect Plan to Overcome All Financial Stress." Over 28 days, we talk about how everything we have has been given to us by God. This includes money, but it also means our families, relationships, health, and even our own bodies. These have all been entrusted to us by God. Discover how to steward them carefully and responsibly so you can live beyond blessed.
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