The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1
“A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God’s.”
Tim Keller in Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just (New York: Penguin, 2012) 91.
Jenni and I are updating our estate. The kids are both over 18 so it’s time. As part of the process, we had to complete a questionnaire listing our physical assets for our attorney, a long-time friend.
For the record, these are God’s assets in our stewardship: two Apple computers, two iPhones, two used (but dependable) Toyotas, my biblical studies library, Jenni’s spiritual formation library, fly fishing and other outdoor gear, a coffee maker (and other standard household appliances but the coffee maker is my favorite), some World Series and MLB memorabilia, some clothes and very ordinary furniture, many wonderful pictures (mostly of family members that have precious memories attached to them), various pieces of wall art (some are crosses, other pieces have words on them…some from my parents, others Jenni and I have purchased to make our home feel like a sanctuary), and financial resources in the amount of a few dollars in our bank account.
Our attorney, said, “That’s it?” He persisted in drilling down regarding retirement or savings accounts, IRA, 403b, pension plans, and the like. To which we replied. “All that is stored up in heaven.”
What about you? Take inventory. It’s a good exercise. What amount of God’s assets are in your hands and what does it reveal about your generosity?
Why share openly about our experience? I do it not draw attention to us, but rather to encourage everyone reading this to handle God’s assets in such a manner that your house is in order on earth, and so you are prepared to give an account for your stewardship before God in eternity.