Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Responsible Resource Management (Tithe offering)
His
pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of
the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his
unfailing love – (V 10& 11)
While we have experts on Resource Management today across the globe, how
many of them can really can handle resource in a responsible fashion. The world
today is focused on “profitable” resource management rather than being
responsible. Very little emphasis is given on how the resources are being
utilized and distributed in a balanced fashion globally. While one part of the
world is struggling under poverty, other part is wasting food resources
irresponsibly. Let’s look at some statistics - Americans constitute 5% of the world's population but
consume 24% of the world's energy. Americans eat 815 billion calories of food
each day - that's roughly 200 billion more than needed - enough to feed 80
million people. Americans throw out 200,000 tons of edible food daily. World
Bank development indicators shows that world’s richest 20% consume 76% of
resources. Thus responsibility comes with a cost when viewed from a Christian perspective. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put
him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” Thus God appointed
man as good stewards. But man disobeyed and fallen from being responsible of
the vast resources which God had entrusted with him. Man continues to do so even
today unfortunately.
All-inclusive resource management approach:
Bible teaches an all-inclusive approach that calls to consider my neighbor
as well. In today’s text, psalmist
describes how God Almighty manages his vast resources like nature, stars, rain,
vegetation and much more. He modeled a great example for man to follow. Matt
44, 45 says “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….for He
causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous”. In today’s consumerist society where survival
of the fittest is the norm, learn to be different by imitating God. Think twice
before wasting resources in its surplus next time.
We spend much
effort trying to sharpen our skills or to increase our strength. There is
nothing wrong with doing so, in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God
(v10). But when we use our skills with no regard for God, they are indeed worth
little. It is our reverence and trust that God desires (v11). When He has it,
then he will use our skills and strengths in ways far greater than we can
imagine. There is much pleasure in giving than receiving. Only those who have
experienced it know the meaning. Our tithe offering should just not be limited
to money, but our time and talent as well. 1Cor. 4:2 says “Now it is required
that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”
Let’s prepare
ourselves to receive Master’s invite 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You
have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master's happiness!'
Prayer: O Lord, help us to be faithful with the resources you
have entrusted us with and use it for the betterment of the society and towards
your glory. Amen.
Thought for the day: You can give without loving, but
you cannot love without giving – Amy Carmichael.
George Sam, Virginia MTC