The first step toward contentment is to recognize God as being the owner of all our possessions.
Participating in any one of the Compass financial studies will give you a solid foundation and understanding upon which to be well-versed in finances.
In many of the studies, one of the first things we ask participants to do is to “transfer” the ownership of their possessions to God through completing an informal deed. This practical exercise in and of itself is oftentimes a turning point in a participant’s life as they seek to acknowledge God’s Lordship.
Not only are we called to play our part in faithfully handling money biblically, God also fulfills His part to us in promising to provide for our needs. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
God has always taken care of His people.
He is our Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. He longs to provide us with “our daily bread” when we acknowledge Him as our Creator and Provider.
Jesus implores, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Are you carrying a burden of ownership that you have not been designed to carry? Even when our financial need is great, nothing is too difficult for the Lord (Jeremiah 32:17).
When we acknowledge that God owns everything, relinquish control over to Him and recognize that He is the Maker of Heaven and earth, we will learn how to live freely and lightly just as He intends for us. The way that we make financial decisions changes. Every spending decision now becomes a spiritual decision.
As our founder, Howard Dayton, says, “No longer do we ask, ‘Lord what do You want me to do with my money?’ It becomes, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do with Your money?’”
God has called us to faithfully steward what He has entrusted to our care.
Whether it’s our children, our money, our possessions, our time or our talents—it all belongs to God. And for that I’m very thankful.
Yours in His Service,
Gwenda Jayawardhana, Founding Member, Compass Australia
It’s never too late to change how we view money and possessions! The Building Your Finances God’s Way study will show you how. Register for one of the four studies currently available here! Or read more about contentment through our reading plan on YouVersion, “The Bible on Contentment”, or our “I Gotta Have It” devotional.
