How We Think of Things Matters (play video first)

Most of us don't have a problem believing that God made everything. However, our actions would seem to indicate that we are challenged when we try to come to grips with the realization that God, not only made everything but he owns everything.

The thought process goes something like this:

"If God made everything and He loves His children then certainly everything He made is for His child's enjoyment. After all doesn't God want His children to have nice things?"

We become consumers and love it---it's fun. We are accountable to no one but ourselves. We are in control.

However, if God made everything and owns everything, then our position changes from one of consumer (control) to one of steward (manager). As a Steward we have to be mindful of:

· Why the Owner give us the use of His things?

· How the Owner want us to use His things?

· When the Owner want us to use His things?

· Who the Owner want to benefit from the use of His things?

We are now accountable to the Owner. We must check with Him first.

No longer does what we want to do for ourselves take priority. Now the priority becomes "What does the Owner wants us to do for Him?". He is the one who has to be pleased and our pleasure must now, ultimately, come from pleasing Him.

The primary goal of stewardship is to please the Owner. The primary goal of consumerism is to please ourselves.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (ESV)

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.

Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.

John 3:27 (ESV)

27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven."