Mine, Ours or His?

Scriptures: 1 Chr 29:11-12; Lev 25:23; Psalm 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8

When you refer to possessions, do you say: this is mine or this is ours? Or does it all belong to the Lord?  Can we say anything belongs to us? 

One of the first words a two year old will say is mine! And it seems for many of us (including me) we carry this opinion (attitude) throughout life.  And it is this opinion that is challenged after you are married.  After all, isn’t everything ours now, not yours and mine?

But are either of these opinions, mine, yours or ours, correct?  Scriptures would say no.

When we consider the fact that we can’t take it with us when we die, do we really own anything?

For most of us, the notion that we don’t own anything is hard because we are surrounded by stuff!  We live in nice houses, we have cars in the driveway, we are entertained by all of our electronics and we wear lots of cool clothes.  But really, are all these things ours or are we simply stewards for all of these things?

The notion of being a steward is often foreign to us.  When you look the word up in the dictionary, we read that a steward is a fiscal agent or one who actively directs affairs: MANAGER.  How we spend our money (or should I say: the money the Lord has entrusted to us), this corresponds directly with our attitude toward the money.  If the money is His, then we might spend it differently.

Now don’t jump to the conclusion that I believe that the Lord doesn’t want us to enjoy the money He provides to us.  I believe He does and when we do so, He feels the joy of having blessed us.  The only point that is important to remember is that none of it belongs to us. 

In one of the first exercises in a Crown’s Financial Small Group, the participant creates and signs a Quit Claim Deed.  This deed turns over to the Lord everything they may have incorrectly assumed was theirs.  Often, the house, cars and other possessions are placed on the deed, which “transfers” ownership back to the Lord (as if they were ours to begin with).  This is a very important first step in transforming our attitudes toward possessions. 

So, why is this an important attitude (everything belongs to the Lord) to hold true?  Well, I believe that if nothing is mine, then when it’s taken away, while I will be sad or disappointed, I can still praise the Lord.  And this is very important to me!  Is it for you?

Furthermore, knowing that it all belongs to the Lord helps me learn contentment.  I stress out less when I know that the Lord is in control and not me.  And when I can trust the Lord to provide for my needs, I am indeed content!

Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom.  We adore you as being in control of everything.  Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.” 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 TLB