30 April | Youth
«For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.» Romans 11:36.
God owns everything. Have you ever stopped to reflect on how many times we say this phrase without thinking about what it really means? The word “everything” is the most absolute pronoun there is. Everything is everything; that simple. It seems like an easy concept to absorb in theory, but in reality, it is a big challenge. It is easy to say that God is the owner. It is difficult, however, to let Him take possession of us and govern our lives.
This was the challenge faced by Alexandre, a nine-year-old boy who was learning to manage the small allowance he received from his parents. He should separate tithe and offerings and use the rest responsibly. His father explained to him that God is the owner and provider of everything, and that we are only administrators of what belongs to the Lord.
When Alexandre heard this, a question arose: “Father, then who gives me my allowance: you or God?” The boy captured a spiritual truth that many adults are still unable to discern. Although the money we earn comes to us through the hands of other human beings, the source of all wealth is God (Hag 2:8). He is the rightful owner of money, time, nature, the air we breathe and everything else we have and are. He created and sustains the universe; He is the sustainer of all life (Heb 11:3). Unfortunately, many people think that what they eat, drink and wear are the result of human labor and power. If you think so, maybe you should look at Lamentations 3:22 and 23: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” It is God’s goodness that keeps us alive day by day. Therefore, do not “say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ […] And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut 8:17, 18).
When the apostle Paul meditated on this, he declared: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33). So be humble; be grateful. May everything be for Him, to Him, in His name and for His honor and glory!