Happy Star Wars Day! Today's reflection isn't about lightsabers and the Force, but about a different kind of power – the power of God working through us. It stems from a conversation I had with Sasha, a young woman juggling work and finances. She works 15-20 hours a week, a conscious choice to maintain personal time, a perspective that challenged my initial assumptions about needing to work more. This led me to consider the broader context of American consumer debt – a staggering average of $72,000 excluding mortgages, rent, and student loans – and the importance of wise stewardship.
This isn't about quick fixes, but about a foundational principle: the Inventory Principle.
Last week, we discussed the Ownership Principle: everything belongs to God; we are merely stewards. This week, we delve deeper into what that means practically. The Inventory Principle builds upon this foundation. A good steward takes inventory of what God has entrusted to them – their wealth, time, talents, relationships – and uses these wisely for God's glory and the benefit of others.
The book of Exodus provides a compelling illustration. The Israelites, initially thriving in Egypt, faced enslavement under a Pharaoh who feared their growing numbers. This wasn't about economic efficiency; it was about power. Moses's story, recounted in Exodus 1-4, is a powerful example of God's work through seemingly ordinary individuals. Moses, raised in Pharaoh's household, yet aware of his Hebrew heritage, ultimately fled to the wilderness after killing an Egyptian soldier who was mistreating a Hebrew slave.
In Exodus 3, Moses encounters the burning bush – a divine encounter that sets the stage for his mission to free the Israelites. God's call to action often meets resistance. We make excuses, just as Moses initially did. I've experienced this firsthand, hesitating to plant a church due to self-doubt. The lesson? Don't argue with God's calling. It leads to incredible things, even if it's not always comfortable.
God's question to Moses, "What is that in your hand?" highlights a crucial point: God uses what we already have. We often think we need more before we can give more. A recent Empower survey revealed that only 17% of people would be happy with an extra $5,000 annually, while 33% desired $10,000 and 42% wanted $25,000. The survey lacked income level detail, but it underscores a point: the desire for more is insatiable. Income increases only provide a temporary boost to happiness. Even John Rockefeller, with his immense wealth, couldn't find enough.
The key is not accumulating more, but being a good steward of what we already possess. Consider your resources: your car, your job, your leadership position, your free time. How can you use these to bless others? These current resources may be the very tools God is preparing you for future ministry. Moses's experiences in Egypt and the wilderness shaped him for his leadership role. My own journey, from initially doubting my teaching abilities to finding unexpected effectiveness in various leadership roles, demonstrates God's ability to use our perceived weaknesses for His purposes.
Good stewardship involves risk-taking. Moses's encounter with the serpent, transforming his staff into a serpent, illustrates this. God uses ordinary things to do extraordinary things. He may call us to give, help, or share resources even when we feel limited. Even without material resources, we have ourselves to offer. Our eyes, ears, lips, and feet are tools for service.
Jesus, despite a potentially privileged life, chose humility, poverty, and anonymity. He gave his words, wisdom, presence, and ultimately, his life. His life was a testament to selfless service.
Let us offer God our lives – our bodies, our time, our dreams, our fears, our worries. He can do more with them than we ever could alone. Let's take inventory of God's gifts and use them for His glory and the benefit of others. This is where true joy and fulfillment lie.
