Psalm 24:1-2

Psalms 24:1-2 (HCSB) 1 The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord; 2 for He laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers.

The first two verses of Psalm 24 declare a very important truth. Everything belongs to God because He created it. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in.

Nothing you possess belongs to you. It is God's! Even you belong to God! You are His possession to do with and use as He chooses. Do we really comprehend this truth? Do we truly believe it?

If we do grasp this truth our lives will reflect it. We'll recognize that we are simply slave-stewards of what belongs to God. Possessions, time, our persons and all they entail must be used for His purposes alone.

The New Testament apostles understood and embraced this truth. That's why they called themselves slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ. Note what Paul says about himself and Timothy in Philippians 1:1a (HCSB). Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. Notice what James says in James 1:1a (HCSB). James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter uses this same terminology in 2 Peter 1:1a (HCSB). Simeon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ.

In the first century, a slave had no rights or possessions. He was viewed as property. His sole purpose was to do his master's bidding. His only aim was to please his master.

The apostles were simply following the example of the One they and we call Lord. Philippians 2:5-8 (HCSB) say, Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.

How do you view yourself? How do you view the things which God has entrusted to you? Is your view Scriptural or self-centered? How are you actually using those things God has entrusted to you? Do you use them selfishly or for God's kingdom?

Every slave eventually has to give an accounting to his master for how they have managed his possessions. Are you ready for that day? Jesus is coming back you know!