Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Responsible Resource Management (Tithe offering)
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love – (V 10& 11)
While we have experts on Resource Management today across the globe, how many of them can really can handle resource in a responsible fashion. The world today is focused on “profitable” resource management rather than being responsible. Very little emphasis is given on how the resources are being utilized and distributed in a balanced fashion globally. While one part of the world is struggling under poverty, other part is wasting food resources irresponsibly. Let’s look at some statistics - Americans constitute 5% of the world's population but consume 24% of the world's energy. Americans eat 815 billion calories of food each day - that's roughly 200 billion more than needed - enough to feed 80 million people. Americans throw out 200,000 tons of edible food daily. World Bank development  indicators shows that world’s richest 20% consume 76% of resources. Thus responsibility comes with a cost when viewed from a Christian perspective. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” Thus God appointed man as good stewards. But man disobeyed and fallen from being responsible of the vast resources which God had entrusted with him. Man continues to do so even today unfortunately.
All-inclusive resource management approach:
Bible teaches an all-inclusive approach that calls to consider my neighbor as well. In today’s text, psalmist describes how God Almighty manages his vast resources like nature, stars, rain, vegetation and much more. He modeled a great example for man to follow. Matt 44, 45 says “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous”. In today’s consumerist society where survival of the fittest is the norm, learn to be different by imitating God. Think twice before wasting resources in its surplus next time.
Serving Vs consuming:
We spend much effort trying to sharpen our skills or to increase our strength. There is nothing wrong with doing so, in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God (v10). But when we use our skills with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our reverence and trust that God desires (v11). When He has it, then he will use our skills and strengths in ways far greater than we can imagine. There is much pleasure in giving than receiving. Only those who have experienced it know the meaning. Our tithe offering should just not be limited to money, but our time and talent as well. 1Cor. 4:2 says “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”
Let’s prepare ourselves to receive Master’s invite 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Prayer: O Lord, help us to be faithful with the resources you have entrusted us with and use it for the betterment of the society and towards your glory. Amen.
Thought for the day: You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving – Amy Carmichael.

George Sam, Virginia MTC

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