Tag Archives: stewardship

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV)

Even those of us who will not admit to being “rich,” know we aren’t “poor.”

Such folks are commanded “not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth.”

Whether we consider ourselves “rich” or “poor,” gratitude for what we have received; and hope for the future is properly placed only in God, who is the true source of all that we have.

Remember: Worship the Giver, not the gift.  – Luther

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“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16, NIV)

We are accountable to God only for what we know, not for what we don’t know.

If we thought only for 60 seconds of all that we’ve been “taught,” whether formally, or through life experience; first-hand, or through the experience of others: we should be amazed how much we already know.

All of us — to some degree — have attained knowledge of what is right, good, true, and edifying. We have attained knowledge of how good it feels to be treated with love and grace; and we have opportunities every day to live up to that knowledge — and the knowledge we’ve acquired beyond such basics.

Are you living up to the knowledge you’ve attained? – Luther

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“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”. (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

The thought in today’s verse doesn’t end with the colon (“:”).  In the three verses after the colon, Paul goes on to specify the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, which are:

(Verse 6): Regarding gifts as opportunities. Some gifts you have, and some gifts you are! Each are given to us for service, not for status!

(Verse 7): Servitude. While “service” is an act in support of others, “servitude” is an attitude. Are we willing to serve only when the situation suits us; or are we committed to serve regardless of the circumstance?

(Verse 8): Humble obedience.  A star athlete falls short of his or her potential when the coach is not obeyed. Likewise, we must do, go, and be as the Holy Spirit directs; not for our own glory, but for the glory of God.

Are you cultivating “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in your relationships with others?  – Luther

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