God's Great Estate: Our Role as Stewards

Bible Passage

Psalm 24:1–2 CSB

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord; for he laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers.

Context

Verse 1 of Psalms 24 makes a clear statement - the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord.

This truth is reiterated throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

He was the one who spoke everything into existence and declared it all good.

As the Creator, He rightfully claims ownership over His creation.

But why is it important for us to understand that everything belongs to the Lord?

It is important because it reminds us of who is in control.

In a world that often seems chaotic and out of control, we can find comfort in knowing that the earth and all that is in it ultimately belongs to God.

He is the one who holds the world in His hands and nothing happens without His knowledge and permission.

Remember the story of Job?

When he was struggling and going through, he questioned God.

The Lord didn't narrate legalities or logic;

God simply reminded Job of His creation

He said: ”Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?"

God's ownership is rooted in His role as Creator.

This means everything we see, touch, or even dream up belongs to Him.

Introduction

The theological thrust of this text is that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord, and this truth should influence how we live our lives as believers.

Our attitude towards the things of this world should reflect our understanding that everything belongs to God.

The fact that everything belongs to God has serious implications for our daily lives as Christians.

In what ways does this fact impact us?

Understanding God’s ownership

Impacts our Stewardship

As Gods stewards, we are called to manage and take care of the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1:28).

This means being responsible with our resources and caring for the environment.

The first part of the Psalm 24:1 states that the earth is the Lords, and everything in it.

This serves as a reminder that everything we have belongs to God.

That means we we own nothing!

He is the ultimate owner of all creation, and we are simply appointed as stewards of His blessings.

As stewards, it is our responsibility to care for and manage the resources that God has entrusted to us.

This includes not only material possessions but also our time, abilities, and relationships.

We must understand that everything we have is a gift from God, and it is our duty to use them wisely for His glory.

The second part of the verse states: “the world, and all who live in it.”

Not only are we responsible for the physical aspects of creation, but we are also entrusted with the care of the people who inhabit this world.

We are called to love and serve others, just as Christ has loved and served us.

Our role as stewards goes beyond managing material possessions.

We are also called to be good stewards of humanity.

This means treating others with love, compassion, and respect, as we steward the relationships that God has placed in our lives.

"You better love the people God loaned you because he’s going to want them back one day." - Lauren London

Understanding God’s ownership also:

Impacts our Contentment

When we understand that God owns everything, we can find contentment in what He has provided for us.

In Philippians 4:11-13, the Apostle Paul says,

Philippians 4:11–13 CSB

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Paul's contentment wasn't born out of having much or little but from recognizing that his identity and worth is in Christ.

He understood that God is the ultimate provider and that all we have is, ultimately, His.

Another powerful scripture that guides us toward contentment is found in 1 Timothy 6:6-8:

1 Timothy 6:6–8 CSB

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

Here, Paul emphasizes that everything we achieve and accumulate in this life is ultimately temporary.

What's everlasting is our relationship with God and our faithfulness to His calling.

By living out the truth of God’s ownership, we no longer measure our worth through the lens of material abundance.

Our hearts can be set free from the envy and dissatisfaction that come with comparison to others and what they have.

Instead, we find joy and peace in what God has provided, trusting that He knows and provides what is best for each of us.

Understanding God’s ownership truly:

Impacts our Generosity

When we start to comprehend God’s great estate, his ownership and dominion it helps us reshape our priorities.

Rather than hoarding our possessions for personal comfort or security, we should view everything we have as tools to advance God’s kingdom.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21,

Matthew 6:19–21 CSB

“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

When we give generously, we invest in eternal treasures that have a lasting impact.

Finally, understanding God’s ownership

Impacts our Humility

Recognizing that everything is Gods’ and not ours should cultivate a spirit of humility within us.

The Bible teaches us in James 1:17 that

James 1:17 CSB

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

This reminds us that every blessing, every opportunity, and every provision in our lives is a manifestation of God’s generosity.

We are not the masters of our own lives, but rather we are called to submit to Gods will and purpose for us.

Our humility should stem from submitting to God’s will and purpose for our lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to

Proverbs 3:5–6 CSB

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.

By surrendering our plans and ambitions to God, we acknowledge His ultimate authority and wisdom, placing our trust in His divine orchestration of our lives.

Closing

As believers, we must always remember that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.

We don’t own anything!

“You will never see a hearse pulling a u-hual”

This truth should shape our perspective, attitudes, and actions.

My prayer is that each of us strive to be faithful stewards of Gods creation, finding contentment and joy in Him, and living with humble hearts that are yielded to Gods will.