Fall Theological Focus:

God’s Ownership of All Things

Written by Reverend J. Philip Letizia, Ph.D.

  This Fall’s Theological Focus centers on the biblical themes of generosity and stewardship. It is fairly obvious that when subjects such as money, resources, giving, and stewardship come up in the Christian life, we have the tendency to sheepishly tune out, or slink back in our chairs. Yet, as I hope we’ll see in the weeks to come, there is no need for either of those reactions. The Bible and the Christian life as a whole, present a counterintuitive approach to these often divisive and threatening concepts. 

  In Week 1 of our Theological Focus, we are looking at God’s ownership of all Creation- including you and I. This might not seem like a surprising fact or point of Christian theology. However, the scope and reach of this theological truth far exceeds our capacity to appreciate.  

 

1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. (Ps. 19:1-2)

 

  Most Christians believe that God is the Creator of all things and that he is in control of the matters of this world. But, how far does His creative control press into our lives? Our prayer lives tell us that we long for him to be close to us in all things. We bring our requests and anxieties to Him. We throw ourselves at his feet when we are facing crises of all kinds. In these moments, we hold tightly to the theological and practical truth that God is in control and owns all of His creation, including you and I. 

  But, when it comes to our resources, money, or the way we think about generosity towards others, we tend to think God’s ownership stops just short of our financial two-step verification. The problem is this- not only does God own all of creation, but he owns you and I completely! And, if we belong to Him, purchased by the blood of His Son’s own sacrifice, then our resources, our generosity, and even our belongings, belong to him as well. 

 

7For who makes you different from anyone else? 

What do you have that you did not receive? 

And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (1 Cor. 4:7)

 

  All we have comes from the Lord. We are free then to not hold on to what we have so tightly, because it not ours to begin with AND we are convinced the Lord will continue to provide all we need moving forward. 

 

  This week, take some time to consider where you willingly believe how God owns all of creation, and what areas of your life you may be slower to believe this is true. Then, take a few moments to renew your heart in faithful trust of his continual provision. 

 

1Know that the Lord is good. It is he who made us, and we are his; 

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Ps. 100:1)