“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1 ESV).
This psalm of David begins with an announcement of God’s ownership of everything and everyone. David declared that since God had created all things, He therefore owned all things. This meant that David saw himself not as an owner, but as a steward, a manager of whatever God had blessed him to possess.
Believing that God is owner and that we are stewards, servants of God caring for His creation, is a life-changing principle. Many Christians claim to believe this, yet they behave as if their stuff is really “their” stuff. One of the great sins of Christians in America is the idolatry of materialism. Our happiness is attached to our possessions. This is the sin of greed. Always wanting more and never being content with what we have.
What is the antidote for greed? Generosity. Giving. Live a life of the open hand, one hand open to God to receive and one hand open to others to give. Tithe from your first fruits and give sacrificially to any need that the Spirit shows you. In this way, you acknowledge God’s ownership and your stewardship. And you break the grip of greed.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we acknowledge You as Creator and Owner of all things. We are Yours. And through faith in Jesus, You are ours. Empower us to live as faithful stewards with that you have entrusted to us until Your Son’s return. In Jesus’ name, amen.