Stewardship Over Ownership

“It’s Not Mine , But It’s In My Hands”

Pastor Mike gave us a powerful reflection on stewardship and obedience on Sunday. His message struck a deep chord in me, especially as he unpacked what it truly means to be a steward and not an owner. I had to learn this lesson, many years ago, particularly in the area of giving.

He shared three key truths:

1. Hold loosely what God has entrusted to you.
2. Be honest about what you really control.
3. Look for opportunities to invest in God’s Kingdom.

That resonated deeply with me. There was a time I robbed God in tithes and offerings, not out of rebellion, but out of ignorance and fear. But when I came to understand the truth about tithing, that “it all belongs to God,” my heart began to shift. I realized then: I’m not giving to be seen or feel important, but because I love Him. Obedience became my worship.

Whether it’s tithing to my church, sowing into various ministries, none of it is really mine. God just placed it in my hands.

We live in a culture obsessed with more, driven by the idol of Mammon. But in the Book of Acts (Acts 4:34–37), we see a church that lived differently. They understood the difference, as Pastor calls it, between BO—Body Odor (when it belongs to man) and DO—Divine Odor (when it belongs to God). Everything they had, they laid at the apostles’ feet, not because they were forced, but because they were free.

He also gave the analogy of the boy with the two fish and five loaves of bread. It wasn’t much. But it was in his hand, and when he released it to Jesus, it became more than enough.That’s the power of stewardship: We don’t use God to get what we want.
We use what He gives to glorify Him. We stop being stingy with what already belongs to God. Stewardship over ownership. Worship over materialism. Obedience over self-glory.

My heart cry today is: “God, how do You want me to use what You gave me?”
Because I know now, it’s not mine, but it’s in my hand. And when I place it in His hands, it becomes much.

Sovereign Lord,

Thank You for entrusting us with what is Yours. We come with open hands and humble hearts, recognizing that everything we have, our time, talents, resources, relationships, even our very breath, belongs to You. It’s not ours, but You’ve placed it in our hands to manage with care, faithfulness, and love.

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we’ve held too tightly to what was never ours to begin with. Teach us to hold loosely, to give freely, and to live generously. Help us to be honest about what we truly control and to release the illusion of ownership.

Lord, we want to be faithful stewards, willing vessels used for Your glory. Lead us to invest in Your Kingdom: in people, in truth, in compassion, and in eternal things. Remind us daily that only what’s done for Christ will last.

Let us not be consumed by the pull of materialism or the idol of more. Deliver us from the love of money and the fear of lack. Teach us to trust You as our Source, our Provider, our Shepherd, our King.

Use what’s in our hands, Lord, no matter how small it may seem. Multiply it for Your purposes. May our obedience release miracles like the loaves and fish, and may our giving carry the fragrance of heaven, not the scent of self.

We surrender again today, our hearts, our gifts, our lives.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.