How can we ensure our resources are used for God's purposes, like in Joshua 21:3? Receiving a Command, Releasing an Inheritance “So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance.” (Joshua 21:3) The tribes had finally settled the land, yet God asked them to surrender portions of their own inheritance so His ministers could serve unhindered. Without objection, they obeyed, proving that every acre truly belonged to the Lord, not to them. Timeless Principles of Stewardship • Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” (Psalm 24:1) • First-priority giving: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Cheerful generosity: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Kingdom focus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) • Shared resources strengthen the whole body: “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.” (Acts 4:32) Practical Steps for Faithful Stewardship Today • Set aside God’s portion before spending anything else, mirroring Israel’s willingness to part with prime real estate. • Budget intentionally so giving goals stand beside necessities, not beneath them. • Support those who teach, preach, and serve, just as Israel provided for the Levites. • Keep records and review them regularly; accountability maintains integrity. • Involve the entire household so each member learns hands-on generosity. • Look for needs beyond money—time, skills, possessions can all be “cities and pasturelands.” • Celebrate every opportunity to give; gratitude guards the heart against grudging obedience. Blessings That Follow Faithful Stewardship • Spiritual abundance: “God is able to make all grace abound to you… you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) • Provision: “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” (Malachi 3:10) • Community health: Ministries flourish when believers release resources, echoing the unity seen in Acts 4. • Personal freedom: Holding assets lightly loosens anxiety and tightens trust in God’s daily care. Living the Lesson When God’s command meets willing hearts, resources flow to His purposes and blessings flow back to His people. Like the tribes before us, we can gladly yield part of our “inheritance” so that His work never lacks and His glory fills every corner of the land. |
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