Statement: Embracing Our Role as Tenants in God's Creation (07/01/'24)

Statement: Embracing Our Role as Tenants in God's Creation As believers, we must recognize that we are mere tenants in God's vast creation, a truth profoundly captured in Leviticus 25:23, where God states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers." This declaration reminds us that everything we see around us belongs to God, and we are privileged to live here as stewards. Jesus emphasized this truth through His parables of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19), illustrating the folly of those who forget their place and seek to claim ownership. In our modern world, we often fall into the same trap, building our empires and seeking control, but in doing so, we edge God out of our lives and sever our connection to the divine. To truly live as God intended, we must embrace our role as pilgrims and stewards, aligning our hearts with His will. This means living with reverence, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility for the care of His creation. By acknowledging God as the true Landlord, we find joy and peace not in ownership, but in faithful stewardship and humble service. Let us live with the understanding that "the land is His, and we reside in His land as foreigners and strangers," guiding our actions and our hearts to honor the One who grants us the privilege to dwell in His creation. Pastor Steven G. Lee (July 1, 2024)