You Are Not Your Own
Sometimes we think that maturing in the Christian life means understanding deeper and more complex truths. And we certainly can and should grow in wisdom and knowledge. But I believe that what most Christians in America actually need is deeper commitment to simple truths.
There is a simple truth that will change your life if you let it: you do not actually own anything. Your money, your house, your car, even your own body. As David says in Psalm 24:
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1)
Or, put another way:
"You are not your own, for you were bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
This is not a popular idea in our society that idolizes money, success, and independence. People devote their entire lives to climbing the ladder and building their own little kingdom. But as believers, we have to be so careful not to get swept up into this mentality. We are not owners of anything, we're just managers. God has blessed us and entrusted us with resources to build His kingdom.
Our Role as Managers
In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Minas:
"As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, 'A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, "Engage in business until I come." But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, "We do not want this man to reign over us." When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, "Lord, your mina has made ten minas more." And he said to him, "Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities." And the second came, saying, "Lord, your mina has made five minas." And he said to him, "And you are to be over five cities." Then another came, saying, "Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow." He said to him, "I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?" And he said to those who stood by, "Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas." And they said to him, "Lord, he has ten minas!" I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'" (Luke 19:11-27)
Imagine that one of the servants, instead of investing or burying the money they were entrusted with, spent it all on themselves. How do you think the nobleman would respond? How would you respond in that situation? We have to get rid of the concept that 10% of our finances belong to God and the rest belongs to us, and instead take on the mentality of a servant. Everything we have is His, and at the end of our lives we will give account for how we managed it. None of our excuses will stand.
Kingdom Economy
On the flip side, if we are faithful to do our best to profit God's Kingdom with our money, time and resources, we are promised eternal rewards! The servants in this parable who were faithful with their minas were rewarded with authority in the nobleman's kingdom. The truth is, our life here on earth is a vapor. Our money is perishable. The Earth itself is passing away. But we have the opportunity to invest now in a coming Kingdom that is unshakeable! We can lay up treasure in Heaven that we will get to enjoy for all of eternity. If we have true confidence in that, doesn't it seem crazy to hold onto our earthly possessions?
Far from being a burden or something I do begrudgingly, giving has become one of the greatest joys of my life. In Luke 18:29-30, Jesus teaches his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life." The sacrifices that we make for God here on Earth reap rewards both in this life and in the life to come.
I recently took my family to Africa, and we got to see the medical clinics we've had the privilege to help build. We got to meet beautiful children that were saved from starvation by feeding programs we helped fund. We saw women rescued from the red light district graduating training school to start a new life. I seriously cannot imagine anything I could have bought for myself or my family bringing me anywhere close to the overwhelming joy I felt in that moment. It is truly more blessed to give than to receive!
My hope in this article is not to make you feel guilty. It's to remind you that coming under God's authority and surrendering everything to Him is both our responsibility and our privilege. His commandments lead to life, and His glory is our good. Take some time as you finish reading to invite the Holy Spirit to show you anything you have not fully surrendered. Ask Him to fill you with strength to obey and faith in His promises.
