Of Thine Own
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”1 Chronicles 29:14 (KJV)
There is a difference between owning something and being trusted with it. An owner can do whatever he likes. A steward has to answer for it someday. Scripture puts all of us in the second group.
When Israel gave generously toward the temple, David prayed one of the most freeing prayers in the Bible: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”
Even our enjoyment comes from him. “Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.”
Hold what you have with open hands. Enjoy it, share it and give it as someone who has been trusted with it. And keep asking yourself whether you are looking in the gift for what only the Giver can supply.
Read it yourself
Read 1 Chronicles 29:10–17. What does David say about how long our days on earth are?
Is there something you have been treating as yours alone that you need to hold more loosely?
Lord, all things come of you. Help me hold what I have as a steward, and give back gladly of your own. Amen.