God's Ownership

The concept of God's ownership is foundational to understanding the relationship between the Creator and His creation. Scripture affirms that God is the ultimate owner of all things, both in heaven and on earth. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God's ownership, extending to every aspect of the created order.

In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with the assertion, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God as the Creator, and by virtue of creation, the rightful owner of all that exists. The act of creation itself is a demonstration of God's sovereign authority and ownership over the universe.

The theme of divine ownership is reiterated throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 10:14 , it is written, "Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it." This passage emphasizes that not only the earth but also the heavens are under God's dominion. Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 29:11 , King David acknowledges, "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours."

God's ownership extends to humanity as well. Ezekiel 18:4 states, "Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine." This declaration affirms that every human life is under God's sovereign ownership, reinforcing the idea that all people are accountable to Him.

Stewardship

In light of God's ownership, humanity is called to a role of stewardship. Stewardship is the responsible management and care of that which belongs to another. In the biblical context, humans are appointed as stewards of God's creation, tasked with managing it according to His will and purposes.

The concept of stewardship is introduced in Genesis 1:28 , where God commands Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This mandate, often referred to as the "Cultural Mandate," entrusts humanity with the responsibility to govern and care for the earth.

Stewardship is further illustrated in the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, Jesus describes a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, the master evaluates each servant's management of the resources. This parable highlights the expectation that stewards are to be faithful and productive with what has been entrusted to them.

The New Testament also emphasizes the spiritual aspect of stewardship. In 1 Peter 4:10 , believers are instructed, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This passage broadens the concept of stewardship to include the use of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church and the service of others.

Stewardship, therefore, is not limited to material possessions but encompasses all aspects of life, including time, talents, and resources. It is a recognition that everything we have is a trust from God, and we are accountable to Him for how we manage it. As stewards, believers are called to reflect God's character in their management of His creation, acting with integrity, wisdom, and compassion.