Wasting Heavenly Resources

By S. Michael Durham

If we squander God’s resources on frivolous things or we use them to do what pleases us, isn’t it a case of stealing what does not belong to us?

Our lives are not our own. Our possessions are not really ours. They have been entrusted to us, but we must wisely use them to invest in the future—Heaven’s future. We are often guilty of taking both life and possessions and wasting them on the temporal pleasures of this world.

Let me ask you four questions to see if you are innocent or guilty of wasting your Master’s goods.

1. Do you make plans without consulting the Lord?

If we make major life plans without prayer and a careful study of the word of God, then most likely we are flying solo. We are never independent of the Lord. We are co-laborers with Him. Jesus said of Himself, “I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19). If this was the modus operandi of our Lord, how much more should we practice the same?

2. Do you spend money for your own pleasure without first gaining His permission?

Gaining permission ought not be too subjective. I’m not saying you must hear a voice of approval or have some internal impression. And the Bible does not forbid a Christian to purchase something that brings personal delight. However, how much do we possess that if we had truly been guided by biblical principles we would not own? Did you really pray and have peace of heart that God was also delighted in your purchase? If not, you wasted the Lord’s goods.

3. Do you live as if today is more important than heaven’s glory?

If today and your immediate gratification is more important than investing in the kingdom of God, then be certain you are wasting what belongs to God. Jesus said, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). He went on to say don’t worry about today. The glory of the King and His kingdom is the motivation of a faithful steward.

4. Do you consider how you may minister to your brother or fellow man?

God has blessed us, not just so we can enjoy His blessings, but that we might bless others as well. If we are not in the habit of thinking about how we may be a blessing to others, then we are wasting the Lord’s goods.

Time will for stewardship will run out. It must run out and it will run out for you. I do not speak of just the end of life, but time for stewardship can run out or be severally reduced many ways. Your present ability to invest may end by debilitating health, economic ability decreased, or relationships may end leaving you no further opportunity to invest. Let us seize this moment and waste not another.