In the biblical context, the concept of resources encompasses not only material wealth but also time, talents, and spiritual gifts. The Bible provides extensive guidance on how believers are to view and manage these resources, emphasizing stewardship, gratitude, and generosity.

Stewardship

The Bible consistently portrays humans as stewards of God's creation. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground." This mandate establishes the principle that all resources ultimately belong to God, and humans are entrusted with their care and management. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the expectation that believers are to use their resources wisely and productively, as the master commends the servants who multiplied their talents and rebukes the one who buried his.

Gratitude

Scripture encourages believers to maintain an attitude of gratitude for the resources they have been given. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul exhorts, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Recognizing that all resources are gifts from God fosters a spirit of thankfulness and contentment, as seen in Philippians 4:11-12, where Paul speaks of learning to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or need.

Generosity

Generosity is a recurring theme in the Bible, with numerous passages urging believers to share their resources with others. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." The early church exemplified this principle in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared their possessions so that no one was in need. Jesus Himself taught the importance of generosity in Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap."

Trust in God's Provision

The Bible reassures believers of God's provision, encouraging them to trust Him rather than rely solely on their resources. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus instructs, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage underscores the priority of spiritual pursuits over material concerns, with the promise that God will meet the needs of those who prioritize His kingdom.

Warnings Against Materialism

Scripture also warns against the dangers of materialism and the love of money. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul writes, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Jesus cautions in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money." These warnings highlight the potential for resources to become idols, diverting attention and devotion away from God.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on resources is multifaceted, emphasizing stewardship, gratitude, generosity, trust in God's provision, and caution against materialism. Believers are called to manage their resources in a way that honors God, serves others, and advances His kingdom.