February 23, 2024
DAY 15
Key Verse:
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Colossians 1:16 NASB
Have you ever tried to get a toy back from a toddler that does not belong to them? It is like breaking something out of Fort Knox; nearly impossible. If your kids are like mine, they equate borrowing with owning. They do not fully realize that just because the toy is in their possession does not mean they own it. It still belongs to someone else. Isn’t this the way that we so often live our lives, even as adults? We hold tightly to things that really belong to God. When we begin to understand that all things belong to God, it changes the way we live.
It is important that we live with the right understanding of who owns what we have in life.
Paul teaches us this in Colossians chapter 1 when he makes explicitly clear that all things have been created by God, through God, and for God. He is the creator and owner of all. He has “loaned” you and I certain things (resources, money, time, gifts, energy, etc.) to use to further His Kingdom and glorify Him, but we must understand first and foremost that they belong to Christ. Everything we have is borrowed. Understanding this helps us to live with open hands.
Maybe you have struggled to live generously. You deal with hesitations just like any other human being. You say things like, “I worked hard for this. I earned it.” Or you ask, “What if I don’t get the things that I want?” Let me remind you today that God created and owns all things. He is asking you to trust Him. A generous life begins with a right understanding of ownership. Determine today to give God first place in every area of your life.
Heart Prompts
How does knowing that God created all things help to shift our perspective on ownership?
Why do we struggle to submit to God and give ownership to Him?
What are some things that you tend to cling tightly to?
Pray
Dear Lord, remind me today that you own everything. Help me to live with open hands with a desire to give to others. Show me areas of my life that I am holding back and help me to surrender those to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.