Resources

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At creation God provided humanity with all the resources needed to live well – physcially, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. Yet because of sin this ideal condition was severely impacted and we live on a much reduced dimension with difficulty in every area.

However, in the most important area God has made individual provision for us of ‘everything we need for a godly life’, especially the indwelling Holy Spirit and the authority inherent in Jesus name when we enter in to a relationship with Him (Mk 16:17; Jn 14:16-17,26; 2 Pet 1:3). In your Christian life do not just rely on your natural ability, instead draw

Do I view what I have as possessions or resources?

on the spiritual empowerment, blessings, love and forgiveness that Jesus has made available to us through prayer, faith in God and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Also have God’s Word stored in the reservoir of your heart as a resource with which you can successfully counteract the attacks of Satan (Ps 119:9,11; Mt 4:4,7,10). Out of the abundance of our heart’s resources we can speak to others, either good or evil, and we will be judged by what we say (Mt 12:34,35).

We are answerable to God for the use of our time, talents and treasures (finances). He has given these resources to everyone in varying amounts. We will give account to Him as to how we have used them. A wise plan is to use them for what will last for eternity (Mt 6:19-21). Invest your life in people, as everyone will spend eternity in either heaven or hell, depending on their relationship with Christ. Will I make that decision right now to let Christ use my resources to bless others, giving what I have so they may come to know Jesus as their Saviour? As a grain of wheat dying to itself in the ground produces much life, so our lives will be productive as we invest in others (Jn 12:24).

Am I using the resources He has already given me or am I dissatisfied, looking for more, or envious of the ‘good fortune’ of others? In the parable of the talents the servant who did nothing with what he had received was severely disciplined for his failure to use what had been entrusted to him (Mt 25:14-30). The rich fool was only interested in his comfort,

Am I using what God has blessed me with to bless others?

using his resources just for himself, yet to his own detriment (Lk 12:18-21). Apply yourself to develop new skills and better manage your resources so you can be a blessing to the lives of others, especially those who are disadvantaged, rather than just catering to your own wants (1 Tim 6:18; Jas 1:27). God desires us to be productive, to bear fruit in every good work (Jn 15:2,8,16; Col 1:10). Even the smallest expressions of love will not go unrewarded, provided they are done with the right motive or heart attitude (Mt 6:1-6, 10:42, 12:42-44). Invest your wherewithal for the benefit of others. God’s power is not limited to our meagre resources. What we have will be insufficient on its own but when we team up with others, what we have will be multiplied by God to meet the big needs – He has the ability if we supply the availability (Jn 6:8-13). It’s a partnership between Him and us.

This resource grew out of a desire to help people grow spiritually to be more effective in the Kingdom of God, not just in knowledge but through developing an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It seeks to provide instruction for Christians about how to live out their faith, by reinforcing what the Bible teaches and so endeavouring to prevent wrong concepts and beliefs. It is the result of much consultation across the Christian faith to get a balanced, user-friendly format that is, above all, consistent with the intent of the Scriptures themselves, correctly handling the truths it contains and faithfully passing this on to others (2 Tim 2:2,15). It is not designed to replace the Word of God in any way, but rather to be a companion guide and help. If you find it contains material inconsistent with Biblical teaching, ignore what is written herein.

The earth’s natural resources are to be wisely managed, used yet not abused or needlessly wasted, and without un-necessary damage to the environment. Renewable resources should not be exploited beyond sustainable levels. God expects us to look after the earth (Gen 1:28, 2:15).