As a child, I refused to share something, maybe a toy, with a sibling. I remember my dad saying he would take it away from me if that was the attitude I had about sharing. Surprised, I said he couldn’t do that because it was “mine!”

My dad then asked me who had worked hard to earn the money to buy the item. I said he did. And already I saw his point. He then explained that since he bought it with his hard-earned money, it belongs to him. He was allowing me to have it and use it but was rethinking that decision given my selfishness. I gave in and reluctantly handed over my toy.

Property ownership is a strange and varying concept. I may think I own something, when it turns out I really don’t. Do I ever really own anything? Or am I just borrowing it for a while?

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all.” (1 Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭11,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God owns everything. He created everything, and every atom belongs to Him. He has generously allowed me to have the things I have and to use them as I see fit.

However, if I am stingy, hoarding, and selfish with His gifts to me, He may very well take them back. It’s not really my land or my house or my car or my bank account. It’s not my job or my friends or my hair or even my air to breathe or my time.

If God decides I should use His gifts to me in service of someone else, or in some way other than what I had planned, who am I to say no? I’m just the steward, here to take care of all that He has entrusted to me. If I’m not a good steward, He will find someone more obedient, generous, and loving.

Dear God, thank you for the reminder that there is no “mine!” in this life. All of everything belongs to you. I am so grateful for all that you have given me to care for, use, and enjoy. Teach me how to listen for your guidance in the proper stewardship and generous use of these blessings.