When Jesus teaches about wealth, possessions and good stewardship, he is clear that all things come from God and belong to God, and that we are to be good stewards of all that God gives us. This is often reflected in an offertory prayer when we bring our gifts to God at worship services – our tithes and offerings, as well as donated food and clothing, and ourselves, our souls and
bodies: all of what we are and all that we have. One such beautiful prayer reads:
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour, and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.
This text reminds me of the little boy offering his lunch to Jesus – five small loaves
and two fish – at the feeding of the multitudes. He offered all he had in the hope of getting one meal. (John 6:8) That’s the attitude! That’s how God’s stewardship works.
The little boy recognised two things. First, he offered the little he had to Jesus, to be used for everyone’s good. He simply trusted Jesus. He didn’t first ask how this was possible. Secondly, his obedience in returning what
God had given him in the first place – all he had – worked for his own good and the benefit of all those around him, without understanding how.
How do you view your own money, possessions and talents?
How readily do you offer yourself and all you have to God to bless others?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
