The Movement from Ownership to Stewardship
“Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NRSV
Series: Learning Simplicity in an Age of Consumerism
Devotional: 2 of 5
Last week, we embarked on a new journey to learn what it means to practice simplicity in a world overrun by consumerism. As we walk this road together, we will consider four movements that the Holy Spirit wants to do in and through us as we "seek first the kingdom of God," intentionally choosing to posture our lives under Jesus' Lordship.
Movement One: Ownership to Stewardship.
The consumerist culture we live in is hard at work cultivating an ownership mentality in our hearts and minds. As time passes, we begin to believe the lie that any earthly possession we have received is a direct result of the efforts of our own hands. As we are being slowly formed by an ownership mentality, pride and entitlement begin to grow. When the condition of our hearts and minds is left unchecked, pride and entitlement scream, "I am, therefore I deserve."
However, as apprentices of Jesus, we are called to lay down our tendency toward ownership, allowing the Holy Spirit to replace it with a stewardship mindset. Stewardship is acknowledging that all that we possess is a gift from God. As stewards, we receive, care for, and release all of our earthly possessions with open hands. In this posture, we continually ask God to show us how best to use the resources he has entrusted to us.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 says, "Do not say to yourself, 'My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth. But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today."
Today, quiet your heart before the Lord. Allow Him to examine the condition of your heart and mind, revealing any area where pride and entitlement have crept in. How might He want to help you reframe your thinking, gently shifting your mindset from that of an owner to a steward? And finally, what would it practically look like for you to hold your earthly possessions with open hands?
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
RECOMMENDED READING
This is an affiliate link. Any purchase you might make helps support the ministry of OnThe3rdDay at no cost to you.
