Ownership

<<possession>>

Some early Christians gave up ownership of their personal possessions, choosing to sell them and live communally (Act 4:32-37). Do I generously share what I have been blessed with to help those in need or do I cling tightly to things and forfeit real treasure (Mk 10:17-25)? There is no lasting security in amassing this world’s riches for ourselves; a better policy is to be involved in doing things God’s way (Lk 12:13-21,31). He entrust us with abilities and possessions to bless others, not to cater solely to ourselves so be outward-focused. Invest your resources in the lives of others, seeking to build the Kingdom of God in them, because people will live forever – either in heaven or hell. It brings inner joy as we follow the example of Christ, who though He possessed great riches, for our sakes became poor, so we could enter into His riches (2 Cor 8:9).

Our life should not focus on the abundance of material possessions, which can become idols turning our love and devotion away from God, and they certainly will deteriorate (Mt 6:19-21; Lk 12:15). With the more possessions

One day we will leave all our things behind

a person acquires, there can be a tendency to be less generous or concerned about the plight of the needy. A right perspective is to consider people of more value than possessions. Where does my heart's focus lie?

Ownership can also involve personally identifying with the situation at hand, not trying to ignore it or blame someone else saying it was their fault when we are the guilty party (Neh 1:6,7). ‘I’ and ‘we’ infer responsibility and ownership, not just ‘them’ which indicates an isolation, removing the speaker from any liability.

Repentance is admitting and taking ownership of our wrongdoing for only confessed sin can be forgiven (1 Jn 1:9). We got ourselves in the mess, yet with God’s help we can get out of it. By taking
full responsibility for the wrong choice that lead to the wrong action this empowers us to resolve the

Do I own up to my sin?

matter, otherwise we will lock ourselves into a self-pitying, victim mentality, believing we are unable to bring about change.

God's ownership as creator extends over all things (Ps 24:1, 50:10-12; Col 1:16,17). Those who have received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ are 'doubly owned' by God, since Jesus purchased their redemption through His death and resurrection, "You are not your own, you have been bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:19,20). "He has set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts" (2 Cor 1:22). Aren't you glad you belong to a loving heavenly Father, not a slave of Satan's. Our bodies and all we have belongs to Him – we are to be good guardians, stewarding what has been entrusted to our care aware we will account to God (2 Cor 5:10).