Whose are You?

Ownership
The Scriptures remind us that we are not our own. In 1 Corinthians 6:20 it states, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (N.K.J.V.). The Bible makes radical demands on the individual. It is true that salvation is a free gift provided by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ by the work of His cross, but living as a Christian and entering into the kingdom of God requires radical living. “Radical” is an appropriate term because Biblical Christianity crosses an individual’s will and is often countercultural.

Our present cultural trends place a high value on fairness (socialism), individualism (humanism), and rights (ownership). The Bible, however, teaches a Christian faith that transcends our culture and helps us to live in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. This world is not the Christian’s home. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Our hope for a just and good life is a future hope of eternal life with the Father. In this world, however, we know that there will be trials and tribulation (John 16:33; James 1:2).

One would be hard pressed to find a “fairness” doctrine in the Scriptures. The Bible is very pragmatic in regard to the harsh realities of the potential for evil that exists within the fallen nature of man. One is never promised that life will be fair, but we can rest assured that God is just, and there will be a day when all is reconciled. The Apostle Paul recognized that there would be many Christian converts who were slaves. In 1 Corinthians 7:22-24 he gives this counsel, “For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called” (N.K.J.V.). Slaves were to serve their masters as Christ’s freedmen.

Real faith brings a freedom that transcends the worst of human circumstances.
God places a high value on every individual. He would that none would perish, but that all would receive eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). It was because of His great love that He sent His Son to save the world from sin (John 3:16), but God is not a humanist. The Scriptures are replete with examples and admonitions that we should know our place. In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus tells a story about a man who hires people to work in his vineyard. He hired people all throughout the day, but at the end of the day he paid them all the same wage. Those who had worked the longest complained to the landowner saying, “These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.” But he answered one of them and said, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” (Matthew 20:12-16). We would never tolerate this kind of thinking in today’s workplace. The Scriptures admonish us to have a “sober,” not high opinion of ourselves (Romans 12:3). A Christian is supposed to live under authority (Romans 13:1). One should also show honor to whom honor is due and show respect to whom respect is due (Romans 13:7).

As a sinner, we have one “right:” the right to death and eternal separation from God. Because of God’s love, mercy and grace, He has given us His righteousness. We now have, not a right, but a responsibility to live our lives in gratitude and loving service to Him. We are not given ownership in the Kingdom of God, we are owned by the King!
Pastor Gary