The Property of…

“Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine” —Job 41:11

Jesus taught a parable about a very successful farmer whose ground “brought forth plentifully” (Luke 12:16-21).  In fact, his crops were so large, he didn’t have room to store them, so devised a plan. He said, “This will I do. I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.”

Jesus did not fault this farmer for being a successful in business. His problem was failing to recognize God’s ownership.  Notice his words… “MY barns… MY fruits… MY goods.”  He thought it all belonged to him to use for his own pleasure (v. 19).

Don’t ever forget that everything is the property of God. The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof (Ps. 24:1).  It is God that gives us the power to make wealth (Dt. 8:18).

John Wesley was a great preacher in the 18^th century.  He was once approached by a man who announced, “Mr. Wesley, something terrible has happened. Your house burned to the ground!”  Wesley replied, “No. The Lord’s house burned to the ground.  That means one less responsibility for me.”

Sometimes I see people wearing T-shirts of their favorite sports team that reads: “Property of Seattle Seahawks.”  I’d like to see a T-shirt that says, “Property of the Lord Jesus Christ.” How about some stickers that read “Property of the Lord Jesus Christ,” and stick them on our wallet, our purse, our checkbook, our car, our house, our children?