―For every beast of the forest is Mine,

And the cattle on a thousand hills.

I know all the birds of the mountains,

And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

"If I were hungry, I would not tell you;

For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.‘"

Psalm 50:10-12 NKJV

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One of the most basic of all stewardship principles is that God owns everything and that humanity owns nothing. This idea is often given lip service but it is essential to becoming a faithful steward.

After God had created the earth and all that was in it He gave Adam dominion over everything. He was placed in this paradise as God's representative – His steward. Human beings were not given ownership of the world or anything in it – only stewardship. All things were created for human use and enjoyment (with the exception of one tree), and they were made responsible for these things.

When Adam and Eve took of the fruit of the forbidden tree, they assumed the right of ownership, and denied that God‘s authority over the earth had restrictions as well as opportunities. From this heritage humanity throughout all ages has denied God's ownership of the world and the things which He created – and as a result have found themselves in continual trouble.

Appeal: Our offering today is for our church but in reality it is for our loving God and His incredible trust in us.