| Exodus 19:5 – “…all the earth is mine…” |
We know what “Self-Made Man” insinuates.
He worked hard to earn what he enjoys. Even if he did not come from means, he made his life meaningful. His empire was built through grit and refusal to quit.
Biblically speaking, there is no such thing as a “Self-Made Man.”
Nothing—absolutely nothing—is the product of our own mastery. The money we make—the children we raise—the spouses we love—the churches we serve—the countries we defend—the houses we inhabit—the salvation we receive and enjoy—it’s all on loan to us from the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
God told Moses, “…all the earth is mine…” (Exodus 19: 5, NIV)
He instructed Job, “…everything under heaven belongs to me.” (Job 41: 11, NIV)
The Psalmist proclaimed, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it…” (Psalm 24: 1, NIV)
And of course, Paul reminded his young protégé Timothy of the truth spoken at many funerals, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6: 7, NIV)
We’re owners of nothing. We’re only managers of that which God leaves to our care. As followers of His Son, Jesus, we should strive to be mature stewards more than self-made stallions.
So, how do we prioritize faithful stewardship? Three quick ideas for consideration.
Produce to Provide—being a productive member of society is an expectation and blessing from God (1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12). We labor so not to become a burden or dependent upon anyone else, but also to put food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and roofs over our heads. Hard work is good.
Save to Share—Living below our means is financially prudent. Avoiding unnecessary consumer debt and financial strain is biblically sound. The early church saved so they could share their possessions with Christian brothers and sisters in need. When the church operates from this biblical precedent, she exemplifies a distinctive characteristic of the Christian faith (Acts 2: 44-45).
Invest to Influence—Taking what we have and turning it into more is a biblical teaching clearly manifested in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30). However, a “talent” isn’t exclusively invested to grow a “nest egg,” but to mold hearts and change lives. To disciple Kingdom people who, in turn, advance Kingdom ambitions.
Christian, there is no such thing as a “Self-Made Man.” The devil wants you to think there is, but he’s a punk. Don’t listen to him. There are only spiritually mature stewards.
How are you stewarding what God has loaned?
- Jacob Hawk
