Owners or Managers
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. –Psalm 23:1, NIV
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” –Luke 12:32, NIV
Psalm 23 is one of the most well known portions of the Scriptures. Most church going kids have it memorized early in life. I don’t even remember when I memorized it but, long enough ago that I know both the KJV and the NIV of the same text. At different moments in my journey, God has been kind enough to use this familiar song of David to speak deep truths into my soul. In a particularly wearying season, He spoke loudly about the “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters” bit. But, more recently, He has been leaning on one phrase, “I lack nothing” or “I shall not want (ESV)” or “I have all that I need (NLT)”. Those few words following the caring image of God as Shepherd speak deeply. They speak to my heart which is often wanting. Sometimes that wanting shows up in greed; me thinking if I could just have a little more or better or newer or… well you get the flavor of it. Sometimes that wanting shows up in worry; me wondering if I will have enough or how I will pay for that or what I will do if that breaks or… well you get the picture. The antidote for both these sinful lines of thought are the same, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” I do not need more than God gives me. That reality defeats greed. Nor will I lack what is needed for what is just around the bend that I cannot see or anticipate. Worry is undone here too. I lack nothing. My Shepherd is a perfect provider. He gives what I need. When Jesus was teaching on these very things, it is of no surprise that He uses the imagery of us as sheep under the loving care of our Father. God gives us His Kingdom. He is pleased to do so. If we can keep our hearts focused on these realities than greed and worry will have little space in our lives. The hard work is in ignoring the voices from a million sources that tell us otherwise. Maybe most helpful in combating the constant barrage of just a little more or are you sure you have enough is staying grounded on who’s all the stuff is. If I remember that God is the owner of everything and anything I “own” is a gift from His hand (notwithstanding life and breath and all the non-stuff) than it can shut off the constant drip, drip of greed and worry. My job is to carefully use the resources given to me to forward the work of God’s kingdom. He owns it, I am His investment manager. How much I have or will need or will get in the future is up to Him. How I approach what He’s entrusted me with and how I invest it is up to me and for that I will answer. One final verse of Scripture (and really its context too) is helpful. Paul in Philippians 4:11 states in part, “…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” He goes on to share that it doesn’t matter how much or how little he has, his contentment comes in Christ, who gives him strength to handle it all.
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An inspiring true story of living out the reality that, “Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.”
WEDnesday Discussion Questions:
What are helpful and effective strategies you’ve found to guard against all kinds of greed?
What is unhelpful in confirming the reality that you have a loving Heavenly Father who will provide for you?
The shift between “owner” and “manager” is one that often eludes us. Have there been ways you remind yourself that God owns it all? How do you ensure that you are being a good manager of the resources God has entrusted to you?
Share a story of God’s gracious provision in your life.