Be a Steward Not an Owner

God’s Gift- Sichuan A Land of Abundant Beauty

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

– Matthew 10:39

Human beings have a tendency to go through life accumulating things. Often enough we find those possessions not entirely needed or used. As a matter of fact, we become possessed by the possessions we possess. This may sound ridiculous but the fact holds true when we look at them perspectively. We are worried and constantly plagued by the fear if things get lost, damaged, or stolen; insurance, security and a host of others. In a word, we are not free of our possessions. Remember the time when we care for the precious car more than our wife and family.

Sometime or other, we are each a victim of burglary or theft, and house break-in. The fear of safety and security with our house keeps us from the peace of mind when going on vacation. Even our pet and garden present themselves as hindrances from going away on holidays. Can we ever enjoy life free from worries and care?

It is by the grace of God that things come to our possession. We are at best custodians or stewards. We come into this world naked and empty-handed, and when we finally leave it all possessions are left behind. We can’t take them with us, be it money or things.In 1 Peter 4:10, it is advocated that: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

As with things, so it is with our lives. But when we surrender ourselves to God together with our possessions, He would then bless us back manifold in return. To gain life we must first lose it along with our possessions. Place all trust and faith in Him. Let Him be the worrier and rid us of all fears and worries.

God wants to bless us abundantly. But we must let Him do it in His way and not our way. Until and unless we understand this principle, life will always be one of futility and vanity.

You need to stretch out your hands & unclench your fists before you can receive.

• Paul Chong