The Dilema
We as humans tend to take ownership of people, places, and things fairly quick. The dilema arises when our mindset states that this idea, plan, or gift belongs to us, but God says that everything we have been given was given for others (insert verse here). Unfourtanley the lot of us become mute to this point, and will not be told anything differently from what benefits us. This is especially true if we have put the time, money, and manpower into something that is working. Many of us can raise our hands to having these feelings of rightful ownership. And many of us can keep our hands raised to the need to change our approach. Truth be told it is no fun to be the only one benefiting from a gift from God. It is not how He set us to work, and to operate in such a way distorts its purpose. If we are to be used by God we can not hoard our gifts, but freely be of service as Christ was for us.
Wake Up Call, “It is Not Yours”
As followers of Christ we will all have to have a wake up call that our talents are not ours alone. The dreams we have been working hard to produce, and the passions that have fuled them are not meant to soley make us great. The masterpiece we have been painting is not ours. The gift we have been using is not ours. It all belongs to God. He has given something special to each one of us, but it is not for our personal use alone, It is for God’s glory. When we give God what is His, He blesses us with things we never dreamed of. He will open doors with the very gift we gave back to him (Ref: Proverbs18:16).
It All Belongs To God
God is our Master and He is in control. If an individual were hired to work in a major company he is given responsibilities. As he learns to handle those responsibilities his boss would evaluate and promote him. The more responsibilities given, the more the boss expects from him. As he gradually enlarges the workers territory (his reach) he would expect his work ethic to increase as well (Ref: Luke 12:48). This means he must become more innovative in his approach to certain situations. He has to be more aware of his tasks and how he utilizes his time. This too is expected when working in the kingdom of God on an even greater level.
If we are asking God to enlarge our territory we are telling Him that we are ready for more responsibilities, and we can handle what comes with theses new positions. We are saying “God, I am ready to face new challenges.” Often times we confuse this with wanting God to give us more of the good without considering the consequences. We fail to realize we have to grow with the territory we are given. We have to develop with the new grounds and scope out the area. We must ask God to show us what He wants us to do and how far He wants us to go.
There will be new people, situations, demons we will have to face here. However, do not be fearful because we do not face any of theses challenges alone (Ref: Joshua 1:6). God is with us and in us. Do not forget Jesus died for our freedom. We are not citizens of this world (Ref: Philippians 3:20). WE are the children of God. We have access to the kingdom of God. We have authority in the name of JESUS! The Holy Spirit is readily available to guide our every step. He leads our feet according to the will of God.