Everything we have is a gift

A Joyful Reminder of God’s Love

We brought nothing into this world (Job 1:21).  We have received everything as a gift.

1 Corinthians 4:7

People who realize that all we have is a gift live with a joyful sense of gratitude rather than with the despair that inevitably derives from a sense of entitlement.

The Apostle Paul says, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11-12).  Such contentment entails a fundamental satisfaction with life — a sense that life is good and that this good life has been given to us by a loving God, to whom we offer thanks and praise (Psalm 116:12, 17).

The heart of being a Christian steward leads us to realize not only that God is Lord of all things and we are God’s managers but also that God is extremely good and gracious.  Stewards are those who know God has blessed them in many ways.

The blessings of God include the gift of life itself.  While life has its ups and downs, most of the time we are immensely grateful for the opportunity to be alive.  There is so much in life to enjoy — beautiful sunrises, good food, friendships, and the joy of human love.  God gives us everything in life.

Best of all, God gives us the promise of love, manifest in God’s presence and the gift of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.  We are truly blessed.  As an old song says, “Count your blessings before you sleep … ”

Stewards do count their blessings.  Stewards, as a result, want to give thanks to God through how they use life and by the gifts they share.  That offering envelope in the plate is one way of saying, “Thanks, God.”

Based on material from Mark Allan Powell and Gary F. Anderson.