The foundation of man’s prosperity lies in the blessing of understanding his assignment. Throughout God’s Word, He tells us that He is in control. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
He and only He created the heavens and the earth. He made both man and the garden where man would inhabit. Our place and provisions are provided to us by Him! But with that, we as men are given a responsibility. Like salt on meat, we are meant to preserve, protect, and honor His name and creation. We, the created, were given a shared responsibility, with the guidance of God through His Word, to manage and be co-heirs of His creation. (“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17)
For you men who have businesses, careers, and children, you may better understand this. Your business is not just for your benefit; it’s also for the benefit of your employees and children. However, with the benefits come responsibility. As co-owners, staff, and someday children, you are to manage and take care of the company you created! Without heirs, there would be no one to inherit the legacy of your creation, hard work, and blessings! In the splendor of God’s creation and all His goodness, God wants to entrust His children, who have been called by His name, with the responsibility to manage and pass on the blessings of what He has created for a season. He didn’t just want us to take it over mindlessly. He gave us a Manual––the Word of God! Without the Manual and following it, the Creator’s purpose and direction will become distorted and perverted! Like any good business, it starts with a purpose guided by process!
As men, we are given an assignment! Yes, an assignment! The assignment begins with the management of what God created! But we must stand firm in who He is and who we are! We didn’t create the heavens and earth; He did!
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7
Furthermore, we are co-heirs, and as co-heirs, we need to continue in our role to steward (take care of) what He created—the Earth and everything in it! My business, home, family, kids, and even bank account are His. He allows me to manage or care for these things on Earth. So, how do we become the best managers and co-heirs? We do it by learning His will, which only comes from His Word! (“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2)
God didn’t just give us an assignment; He also gave us the Manual to create even more prosperity (“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2). He wants us to work the garden (our assignment) and grow it; through that, we bless ourselves and those around us. But this only happens if we abide in His Word. Abiding is defined as accepting and acting in accordance with His will. Without abiding, our stewardship fails; worse, we are passing on the leftovers of a failed operation to the next generation.
Therefore, what happens when we desire not to abide by the Word? God’s Word is clear––We lose our saltiness! When salt loses its saltiness, it has no use anymore and is thrown away and trampled! (“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13)
Salt on meat preserves the flavor! When we seek God’s will, we are like salt on God’s creation––used to maintain the flavor of life! We act as guards and gates so the enemy can’t attack and destroy what God has given us! When we choose not to seek God’s will through His Word, we unknowingly step aside to let the enemy come in and destroy what God handed down to us! Men, the clay doesn’t tell the potter what to do!
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
We are blessed to be handed such a great responsibility! Our assignment is clear! Don’t get stuck in an ocean of complacency! We have a good, good Creator who has left us with a good assignment––seek and honor Him in all we do! “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Have a blessed Thursday!
Stephen L. Thomas