Day 29—All we possess belongs to God

The Bible begins with God’s creation of the world. In Genesis 1, God turns the stewardship of the creation over to human beings, who as male and female are created in God’s image. They are to care for and steward the creation, working diligently to bring about its flourishing. They are to do so as God’s representatives, for the earth remains God’s possession, the fruit of God’s labors. The psalmist reminds us of this above: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

The truth of this statement has tremendous implications for our understanding of financial giving. All our possessions are gifts given to us that we are to steward and put to good use. The portion we return to God through the tithe or other special gift is a recognition of the origin of all that we possess. God has graciously provided us with all we have, whether it be financial prosperity, or the health, mental acumen, and diligence that were necessary for us to obtain what we have earned.

Financial giving is a much more inviting proposition when we first declare to God, “It’s all yours!”

Generous God, help me to see all that I have as yours, whether I have much or little. Amen.