Today we looked at two Biblical views of life- as we are now trying to see life from God's perspective.
Life on earth is a test Throughout the Bible, many individuals were tested in their character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. In many cases, they didn't fare too well. Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test.
" God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested.
He will reward you with a glorious life, just as He rewards everyone who
loves Him. "
(James 1:12 - Contemporary English Version)
Life on Earth as a trust My energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, resources - all of my aspects of life are a gift from God. I am a steward of everything God gives us. I never really own anything. God just loans the earth to us while we're here. It was God's property before I arrived, and God will loan it to someone else after I'm gone. I remember that feeling the day we moved into our house. This small plot of land that I own (along with my friends at the bank), I'm only a steward. Someone else will "own it" after me. Our culture says "If I don't own it, I won't take care of it." But we are to live by a higher standard: "Because God owns it, I must take the best care of it."
"Those who are trused with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust" (I Cor 4:2 - NCV)
"Gracious Father, help me to see life from Your point of view. Please help me today to pass the tests of character and to recognize that You own everything and everyone. Remind me to hold things loosely and use them for Your purposes. Amen"
What has happened this week that I now realize was a test from God? How did I respond? What are the greatest matters that God has entrusted to me?
"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible... everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him" (Colossians 1:16 - The Message)
