John 6:31-32 NLT
[31] After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ [32] Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.”
Today, I feel inspired to share something deeper, and I believe it’s important to reflect on these words of Jesus. How often do we find ourselves thinking or even speaking like the people Jesus is addressing here? It’s easy to fall into the habit of believing that we are where we are because of our own efforts or because of the people we deem responsible. “My dad educated me. My job provided me with the company car. I was able to succeed because of my hard work and dedication.” While these statements may have some truth to them, they miss the bigger picture.
The people Jesus spoke to acknowledged that Moses gave them bread to eat, but Jesus quickly corrected this misunderstanding. He pointed out that it was not Moses who provided the manna but God Himself. How many times do we fail to recognize that everything we have, everything we are, is a gift from God? Think about it: the parents who raised you, the children you care for, the job you have, the home you live in—none of these things came about by chance or solely by your own efforts. They were all given to you by God, who is the true source of every good thing in our lives.
We must remember the parable of the talents, where the servants were entrusted with different amounts, not as owners but as stewards. This life, this world, is not ours to own, but we are stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. He is the rightful owner of everything, and all that we have is on loan from Him. If we fail to honor God in the stewardship of what He has given us, He can move those blessings elsewhere, just as He took the talent from the one servant who buried it and gave it to the one who used it wisely.
I remember my first car. I didn’t take care of it the way I should have, and eventually, it was no longer in my possession. It was given to my father, who took better care of it. For years, I had to rely on other means of transportation. I had neglected the responsibility I had, and as a result, what I had been given was moved to someone who would honor it. This is a reminder that everything we have is for stewardship, not ownership.
Everything on this earth belongs to God, and we are merely stewards. The house you live in, the food you eat, the relationships you have—none of these things are yours by your own doing. They are gifts from God. And it is important that we recognize that every blessing, no matter how big or small, comes from His hand. We must give glory to God for everything, as He alone is worthy of it. Remember, as it says in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another, or my praise to idols.”
So, let’s shift our perspective. Let’s stop taking credit for what God has done in our lives and begin to truly acknowledge Him as the giver of all things. Everything we have, everything we achieve, is a result of His grace and mercy. As stewards, we are entrusted to manage what God has given us with wisdom and gratitude, knowing that we are here to serve His purpose, not our own. Let us live with this awareness and give glory to God for every blessing we have.
Have a blessed day. 🖤