Someone (“author unknown”) has composed the following list of “Toddler’s Rules of Ownership”:
1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.
8. If I think it’s mine, it’s mine.
9. If it’s yours and I steal it, it’s mine.
We smile at the selfishness of young children who are struggling to mature and understand the concept of “sharing”. It’s not a matter to smile about, though, when the same attitude manifests itself in our lives as adults.
But we all struggle, I think, with the concept of what’s “mine”. If I earned it, it’s mine. If I bought it with my checkbook or my credit card, it’s mine. If I drive it or live in it, it’s mine. But is it really?
As long as I believe that all that is in my possession is mine, I will struggle with feelings of selfishness. Once I understand the concept of stewardship, that it all belongs to God and He is merely letting me use it for a while, my perspective changes.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share….” (I Timothy 6:17-18)
Praise be to God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” and is so good to share with us.
Alan Smith
