Who owns the earth?
A capitalistic society, like the one in which we live, is
based on the private ownership of wealth. We Americans almost
consider title to wealth as some kind of birthright or
entitlement.
Believe me, I'm grateful for our capitalist system. It
fosters entrepreneurialism, innovation, and markets in which
anyone can have a shot---even in these difficult economic
times. But this right of wealth is by no means an unlimited
right. Even in a capitalistic system it is limited by the
right of taxation for the common good.
There must be set over against it the understanding that the
earth and its resources belong ultimately to God. In this
relation, you are a steward or caretaker, not the Owner. An
uncontrolled individualism needs to be constantly reminded of
the divine ownership of the earth and its resources.
You may have noticed the church does not tax its members even
for the common good. Christians give because they know
everything entrusted to them is really God's. The person who
calls himself a Christian but does not bring offerings is
merely a capitalist.
Each day is not ours essentially to accumulate wealth but to
use and share the wealth God has given from what is entirely
His. Every day, not just on Thanksgiving but every day, is
the day to share.
When Jesus tells us to take no thought for tomorrow, he's not
saying death won't come, or that there will be no evaluation
of our stewardship. He's telling us to begin living now in
the eternity Christ has opened to us.
If death ends time as we know it, then tomorrow, the plans we
made yesterday won't make any difference and the wealth we
store won't procure a thing. Yesterday's accumulation and
tomorrow's plans are unstable.
But today counts!
Today,
because God opens wide the arms of His love in Christ, we may
love our neighbors too. Today, because God promises to
hear, we pray. And today, because of the bounty of blessings
we are granted, we may give in return with thanksgiving.
Today is
the only day we have in which to give our talents
and selflessly to share our time. So, remember who has given
you today, and live your life in the Lord as an offering from
His grateful steward.
