To put things very plainly, this quarter’s lessons are all about humans and the way they deal with the resources that come into their hands because of the activities of God. A particular focus is going to be on money and the way it should be managed. For many people, the issue of money is a delicate one but that is not the case in the Bible, and it particularly not the case with Jesus; a quick survey of the parables He told will reveal that fully half of them had to do with people and money. So we will proceed without fear or trepidation.
A foundational truth or assumption arises from the biblical fact that God created all things to include not just the gold and silver of earth, but life itself. And God, according to the Bible, continues to sustain life. That makes Him the rightful owner of all things. Human recognition of this basic principle, or founding truth, lies at the very foundation of what the Bible has to say about humans and the way they manage life and assets.
Two texts to consider:
- Proverbs 3:9
- Rev. 4:11
Some questions to ponder:
- What effect would adopting this principle will have on the way you live life and manage whatever assets you acquire?
- What difference does it make if you perceive yourself to be the owner of things vs. being the manager?
- What rights and prerogatives does an owner have as compared to those a manager might have?
- What happens if a manager begins to act like and exercise the prerogatives of the owner?
