Genesis 1:26-28
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them
reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”
God created human beings;
he created them godlike,
Reflecting God’s nature.
He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
“Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend told me about the experience he and his wife shared when they went to a local animal shelter to adopt two cats. The shelter staff members came to their house to “interview” them and make sure that their house was a suitable domain for the cats… and that they would be good “parents”. The shelter representatives were impressed with what they discovered and readily agreed to the adoption. They realized that these people had a healthy respect for the responsibility of caring for these two kitties… and that they took this role as good pet owners very seriously.
Have you ever considered that God has entrusted you with the care of many things…property, your environment, family members, perhaps even children of your own, maybe a pet or two (or three or four?!)… and so much more. Hopefully, He has granted you salvation through Jesus Christ and is trusting that you will serve faithfully as a Disciple of Christ who loves and cares for others in His name. Honestly, all of these responsibilities are incredibly serious… and handling them respectfully and with utmost care is vital!
As you go about your day, think of all that God has handed over to you. Ask yourself, “Am I a good steward of His gifts? Is my treatment and respect toward these people and things in line with what God expects of me? Am I honoring my commitments to Him by taking charge, prospering, reproducing and filling the earth with good things that please Him? Am I serving Jesus Christ and honoring Him with my discipleship?”
Pay close attention and look for areas where you may be slacking off – even a little… situations and relationships where you might be shirking your responsibilities and/or acting even a little irresponsibly. Ask God to equip you to do better… to give you the wisdom, strength, courage and desire to “step it up a notch” and honor Him by giving your very best. Remind yourself often of the words from James 1:17, where we read… “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven.”
Treat everything that God has entrusted to you with utmost respect and care. Honor His very best gifts to you by giving Him your very best in return.
©2013 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment