We understand the concept of ownership from a very young age. A young child freely exclaims “Mine” when another child begins to play with his toy. We proudly declare that we bought and own a new car, although in many cases the title is still held by someone else. We make the same ownership declaration when we buy a house, when the bank technically owns the house until we have paid off the loan. The bank gives us certain rights of use and the ability to make decisions about what we do with the property.
Somehow we forget the technicalities of ownership when it comes to our relationship with God. He created each of us in a design that He calls “fearfully and wonderfully” made. As our designer and creator He possesses all the rights of ownership. He has given us the ability to make certain choices on how we use our body, mind, and soul. We can choose to ignore His rights of ownership over us, but the consequences are disastrous. Or we can remember that we belong to Him and honor Him with our words and deeds.
Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” God offers to care for His people, like a good shepherd takes care of his sheep. But to benefit from God’s tender care, we have to remain with the flock in His presence. Running off and pretending not to belong to the Good Shepherd only brings suffering and death.
Reluctant Retiree 