Ownership vs Stewardship

A pervading question that balances my life and provides introspection and self examination is am I claiming ownership or practicing stewardship.

Oh, I know...stewardship is often only equated with finances...but to me...stewardship must permeate every area of my life. Allow me to describe the difference of ownership vs. stewardship, as it relates to my life:

Children:

• Ownership causes me to define my worth based off their actions. If they excel...I am proud and feel as if I'm doing a great job. Aren't I an excellent mother. LOL. If they do or say something less than complimentary, I worry...Now what do people think.
• Stewardship relies on God's abilities and wisdom to parent each one of my children, accordingly. When they do something exceptional I thank God for his provision and blessing. When they do something less than expected, I intercede and ask for God's mercy, grace, and Spirit to move on them and lead them in the way they should go.

Finances:

• Ownership causes me to worry whether there is enough or revel when I can give large amounts. Aren't I great because I gave x,y,z to this or that organization.
• Stewardship causes humility, trust, and recognition that all I have has been given as a gift by God. Regardless of the amount large or small, I give out of love and obedience to the one who has given His all for me.

Time:

• Ownership tends to look and concentrate on how people or circumstance conflict with my schedule. Anger or disappointment when things don't go as planned.
• Stewardship embraces "rest" knowing God is in control. I simply show up, make myself available, and trust Him for the timing.

Luke 16:10 encourages us, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (NIV)

1 Peter 5:2 says, "Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly--not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God."

Today, let our prayer be to be good stewards of the things God has entrusted to us. May we rest in His grace and provision...knowing He is good and Hes is faithful!