40 Day Daniel Fast Day 8

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We may misunderstand and struggle to understand the difference between stewardship and ownership. You see, ownership says you are not only responsible, but you have exclusive rights of possession; you have a legal claim to it. Some of us own our cars; we have a title deed and therefore can do as we will with the vehicle. While on the other hand, stewardship is the act of caring for or improving something within our possession. Of course, you don't own it; you do as the owner desires you to do. Take the rental car, for instance; you don't own it, you fill out paperwork to give your desire, and they tell you your price and restrictions.

We may be suffering from this in our service and walk with the Lord. We may be struggling with this with our bodies; Paul redirects our attention and tells us, "We (that means, you and me, all of us who've been bought with a price, whom Jesus has shed his blood for) are His (God's) workmanship. Did you see that? Do you think the Bible version I read is wrong? Paul informs us, hey, you received something from Christ, something you didn't deserve and therefore makes you not just chosen, but owned by God. So, where does stewardship come into play? Well, although you are not the owner, He gives you stewardship privileges over your body, over your talent and gifts. But notice He has restrictions for stewards; He says to use your body, use your life, use your skills and talents for good works. The word good is translated as "agathos," which is good and benefits. So what Paul is saying is God wants us to use our bodies for the benefit of others, serve others, love others, be kind towards others. Now, let me ask you, Where can you display this best?

In His house, serving in His church.

You see, when we realize we are not the owner of this body, we are not the owner of this gift he has given us, all of our abilities, efforts, intelligence, etc., it all belongs to Him. Because He came down from heaven to save us, the least we can do is be a good steward over what He has entrusted us with, use this body for his service, and use it for good work! All Paul is saying to us is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are saved not merely for our benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church.

Challenge
What better ways can you steward what the Lord has entrusted you with?
What gifts and talents do you have that were given to you by the Lord? Are you using them for the Lord?

Read
Philippians 2:13
Colossians 1:10
Psalms 100:3

Pray
Father, thank You for what You did for me on the cross; thank You for Your love. Forgive me of the times when I used my body selfishly and assumed the owner's responsibility. As I look to serve you with my body and all of the gifts You have given me, help me remember You purchased me with Your blood, and it is not of my works; no works I do can save me. And because I am saved, You expect me to produce good works for You. We thank You for Your love in Jesus' name; we pray, Amen.