Statement on Living According to God's Will: Embracing Stewardship and Unity* (04/27/'24) -Statement

Statement on Living According to God's Will: Embracing Stewardship and Unity According to Leviticus 25:23-24, the land, as God’s creation, is not ours to sell or own permanently, for it belongs to God and we are merely transient caretakers: "The land shall not be sold forever: for the land is mine, for ye are strangers and sojourners with me." This concept extends beyond the land to encompass the skies and the earth, emphasizing that we do not own these elements, but are a part of them. We are called not to possess, but to steward and cherish them responsibly. Jesus reinforces this idea of collective belonging and spiritual kinship in His teachings (Mark 3:33-35, Matthew 12:48-50, Luke 8:20-21, John 15:14). By asking, "Who are my mother and brothers?" and answering that those who follow God's will are His true family, He invites us to see beyond our immediate familial bonds to a broader community united in purpose and faith. Through these teachings, we are urged to adopt a mindset of shared responsibility and guardianship over the earth, striving to live harmoniously and fulfill our duties not just to the land, but to each other, in accordance with God's will. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 27, 2024)