Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
1 Chronicles 29:16 (NIV)
I remember an engineer-architect that I had known in the past. He was passionate about his work and was known for the result of his work. No one complained about his bills because he always gave a work equivalent to what he charged his clients. He had built three houses for himself and a large warehouse that he decided to give to a pastor to start his church.
Showing the place to the pastor, the latter wisely asked him: "do you think that someone will be able to claim it in the future?" The man answered him in a burst of pride and satisfaction: "All this is mine, I earned it at the cost of my efforts and courage, no one can dispute it. I transmit it to you and I make you the legal owner". The pastor looks at him smiling and says: "I understand that you have done everything to have all this, but remember that despite your efforts everything you have accomplished comes from God".
Isn’t that what many people think these days? They believe that everything they have achieved in their lives, everything they have worked hard for has nothing to do with God, it is their due. That is why some refuse to share and provide for those who are suffering. God has given man intelligence, strength and the ability to create, work and innovate, but in the end everything we have acquired, even at the cost of our efforts, comes from Him. When you consider what you have, instead of contemplating your glory, thank God for allowing you to acquire them because they come from Him..
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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