Owned Before I Own

Devotional

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Psalm 24:1

Imagine waking up one morning and finding a bright yellow sticker on everything you touch; your head, wallet, phone, car keys, even your wrist-watch. Each one reads, “Property of God.” The truth is, that sticker is already there, though we may not see it with our eyes. This is what today’s scripture reminds us: everything we call “mine” is in fact God’s first.

1 Corinthians 4:7 says, “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”. Our talents, spiritual gifts, possessions, relationships, opportunities, and even the breath in our lungs all come from Him. Ownership belongs to God. Stewardship belongs to us.

The Bible describes a steward as one who manages what belongs to another. From Genesis to Revelation, God is revealed as the sole Owner, and humanity as His appointed caretakers. We are accountable to Him for how we handle our time, talents, treasures, and relationships.

So, what does faithful stewardship look like? The scripture highlights attitudes that mark the heart of a true steward: cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), steady faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2), humility that says, “I’m only doing my duty” (Luke 17:10), courage to step out when risks arise, contentment that frees us from the hunger for more, generosity that overflows even in lack, and gratitude that turns daily service into worship.

A faithful steward wakes up cheerful, full of joy from the Spirit, not something he forces. He is ready and eager to take care of everything God has entrusted to him. Day after day, he handles both small and big tasks, relying on the same grace that first called him. Pride has no place, because humility reminds him that everything he has is a gift. When a risky opportunity comes, he doesn’t let fear of loss stop him, since he trusts God’s wisdom and steps forward. Contentment in Christ frees him from always wanting more, so generosity flows naturally. And through every action, gratitude rises, because everything he manages was given by the God who holds the final Ledger.

What in your life carries God’s invisible ownership sticker? How might you handle it differently today if you remembered it is His first, not yours?

Lord, thank you for trusting me with what belongs to you. Teach me to be a steward who is cheerful, faithful, humble, courageous, content, generous, and grateful. May my life reflect your ownership.