Stewardship is defined as "a responsibility to take care of something one does not own."
So...what do we own?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Not money.
Not time.
Not possessions.
Not the words we speak.
Not our own bodies.
Nothing.
God has given us the opportunity to be stewards of all these things; to manage them for His glory. We too often think of this as just money, but that is such a small part (especially if you are a student!).
- Time -
Have you ever thought about tithing your time to God? If we gave Him 10% of our time, we would spend 2.4 hours reading our Bibles, praying, and listening to Him. Imagine how much growth could happen if you gave that time to God. I mean, I am sure you spend at least two hours talking to your best friend... doesn't God deserve even more of your time? Not only should more of our time go to God, but more of our time should go to encouraging others around us in their relationships with God. I should take all that time I spend complaining and use it for God's glory instead of for my own benefit.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
~Malachi 3:10~
- Possessions -
Who owns the computer on which you are viewing this blog? I found out the hard way... getting my laptop stolen and not having it for seven months. It belongs to God. That iPod you listen to (more than 2.4 hours a day, I bet) belongs to God too. Is your music glorifying Him? Is what you look at on your computer honoring Him? Your instrument that you use in orchestra or band or choir...do you practice it enough to be able to give Him the praise He deserves when you perform?
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
~Luke 12:33~
- Words -
I fail in this area... big time. It is so easy for most girls to turn 'prayer request time' into a juicy gossip circle. Do we even realize how many hurtful things we say about others behind their backs? And another thing... why do we cuss? It typically is your way to relieve your own anger, but in the process, it hurts someone.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
~Psalm 19:14~
- Bodies -
Yes, I know that I am currently on the Chick-fil-A waffle fries and Dr Pepper diet, but it really is important to take care of your temple. Go on a run outside, go to Zumba, or get up a few minutes early and actually walk to class... that's a novel idea. Oh, and smoking and drinking are killing your lungs and your liver. Last time I checked, they are inside the body that belongs to God. Oh and ladies, did you know that if you are sexually active, most forms of birth control are actually aborting your baby after it has begun to form.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
~1 Corinthians 6:19-20~
My purpose for writing this blog was to remind myself of how I need to live my life and of my short-comings that I face each day. I don't mean to attack anyone; I am just writing out what God is revealing to me in my life right now.
I love you all... if I can pray for you or help you in any way, just let me know. We will go before the throne of God together.
Joy in Him,
Elise <><
