We humans cannot really own anything.
Not land. Not houses. Not motor cars.
I was taught this when our new government converted the private ownership of the mineral wealth of our country to state 'custodianship'. We humans get the right to mine these minerals under rules agreed with the state. And to the benefit of the broader community.
In particular we cannot own our own abilities, talents, qualifications and competencies. For, as in the parable of the talents, God has given us these talents in order that they be used to promote the wellbeing of others, and in this way, to build his kingdom.
And so the question for the follower of Christ is not how many things we pretend to own, but what have we done with the talents and resources God has lent us,in our brief journey from birth to death.
A home is meant to be the cradle of a Godly family, where family members both care for each other and give each other the gift of responsible freedom - the freedom God grants all his people.
Land is meant to build communities of people who live together in harmony and who co-operate in the creation of well being.
Money is simply the medium to do and create good things. Things that are pleasing in the sight of the God who is indeed our creator, redeemer and sustainer.
Our talents, education, qualifications and achievements are the resources God has lent us. He expects us to use them to help awaken the talents of others.
The stewardship of all these things is not in any way a burden. Or even a duty. It is simply the best, happiest and most creative way to live.
After all we enter the world with no things. And leave it in the same way. If we are good stewards of the resources God makes available to us in that time between birth and death we will have laid a foundation for a sound relationship with our Creator in that place beyond death.
Bobby Godsell August 2016
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