We often think of everything as having one of two states of ownership. Either something belongs to us, or it doesn’t: My car, my house, my property, my job, mine, mine, mine. This is how the world functions. Even in the case of communal ownership, it’s still the same. When something belongs to us, we believe we have special rights and privileges over that thing. Since it’s ours, we can do whatever we want with it. Again, this is how the world thinks.

However, just because this is how the world thinks doesn’t mean it is correct. Why does Scripture tell us?

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

Psalm 24:1-2 (NIV)

When David wrote those lines, they weren’t just a lovely idea David thought of. In Leviticus, when the Lord gave the Israelites instructions about the Sabbath year, he gave them this insight. 

“‘ The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers‘” (emphasis added).

Leviticus 25:3 (NIV)

Although we’ve divided the world into sections, with this part belonging to this country and that part belonging to that country and within those countries, the land is further divided into separate owners; it still belongs to the Lord. All of it.

Since everything in the land, from the cars to the trees, and even the tiniest pebbles, belongs to the Lord, it doesn’t belong to us. Even if we have a slip of paper that says it does. Instead, as Christians, our job is to steward whatever God puts into our hands. From “our” cars, to the trees, to even the smallest of pebbles, whatever God has put into our care, must be cared for because it belongs to God. 

God graciously allows us to use his things while on earth. This goes beyond material things, as with “our” jobs and relationships. God puts people into our lives, and we’re to care for them too. We’re to love people as God loves them. When it comes to the closest relationships, like those between a husband and a wife, we show even greater love. 

As Christians, we don’t even own ourselves. 

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies (emphasis added).

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

So remember, it’s not your car, your house, your job, or even your money. It belongs to God, who expects you to take care of it. When it comes to people, treat everyone with dignity and respect because, in the end, we will all have to give an accounting for everything we’ve ever said and done. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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