God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

Hello,

Today I’d like to talk to you about how God wants us to be good stewards of all that He has entrusted to us. In the book of Genesis we learn that God gave dominion of the earth to humans:

“God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”(Gen 1:27-28)

In some circles, this is called the cultural mandate of God.  We are stewards of this earth- we don’t own it, we manage it and therefore we need to take good care of it.

For example, if we have the ability to invent a useful product, the product should be beneficial and not harmful to anything. It should be made of good quality so it doesn’t wear out quickly and thus cause waste. It should be environmentally friendly and safe for humans and animals. God also has something to say about our profit margin:

“The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”(Prov 11:1)

If we are mindful of these things we will know that our business is within the teachings of the Bible and because of that, our business will be blessed by God.

Everything we have is from God-  our family, friends, animals, talent, ideas, free time, health, opportunities, career,  homes, gardens, belongings and our resources to purchase things- all come from the generous hand of God. We don’t often think that taking care of these things is important to the Lord, but because we are stewards of God’s resources, He does care very much about how we handle what has been given to us. Our good management of our lives gives glory to our Father in heaven.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”(2 Cor 9:8)

There are many companies and farmers in the world today that are good stewards of the earth and have subdued the sin of greed in order to live by God’s directives. I love to purchase from these people and I encourage you to do the same. Many of these God honoring companies are closed on Sunday so as to let their employees rest and worship as the the fourth Commandment directs us.

When I shop in stores with Christian values I notice something is different. They are usually well kept places of business, and their employees are very presentable in their appearance and gracious to the customers. One company in particular- Chick-fil-A,  trains it’s employees to treat everyone as they would like to be treated -which is the Golden rule and just so happens to be one of God’s greatest commandments.

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”(Matt 22:36-40)

It’s not an accident companies like these are hugely successful. God tells us in the Bible:

“…If you follow My commandments and teachings…all that you touch will prosper and succeed.” (Deut 28).

I’m sure we can all think of many positive outcomes for living as a good steward of all that God has entrusted to us. Not only that, it sure would be nice to see some kind hearted Christians in the world today in order to dilute those angry souls we see on T.V – don’t you think?

All my best,

Lisa