“Our possessions are not our own; God has given them to us that we may cultivate them, and it is His will that we should render them useful and fruitful. By our care thereof we render to him an acceptable service.”
Francis de Sales (1567-1622) from The Devout Life as recounted in The Quotable Saint ed. Rosemary Ellen Guiley (New York: Visionary Living, 2002) 204.
It’s interesting to explore the idea of service and sharing that is acceptable to God in the writings of the saints.
When we, along with de Sales, start with the reality that God owns everything, our acceptable service will always be linked to rendering back to Him that which He provides in a manner that is both useful and fruitful for His glory.
Today I want to honor my wife for 22 years of marriage, and frankly, for joining me in embracing truths like this one by one of her favorite spiritual formation writers. I love you, Jenni! Happy Anniversary!