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WHAT WE BELIEVE
We are not owners

Reuben Pauls

This Article of our Confession of Faith addresses issues of ownership and possession – a very important part of 21st-century life. In acknowledging God to be the owner of everything (since He created it), we challenge society’s view that we humans are the possessors. In the language of our Article, we are managers or stewards, not owners. We are not even considered co-owners with God. He has placed creation, opportunity and talent as a trust into human hands, giving us the responsibility to take care of what is His.

Further, in our taking care of what is His, God has made it clear that He expects us to apply His values. For example, we are given responsibility to use the extra which He provides to us to cover the lack experienced by others. This requires special sensitivity and care as we serve those around us. Further, applying God’s values means that we are to avoid undue exploitation of the resources which are entrusted to us.

One interesting omission in our Article is the term “Jubilee”. So much is included in this Old Testament concept – forgiveness of debt, the understanding that God is the supreme owner of everything, freedom for slaves. These concepts are present in the Article, but the word “Jubilee” is not.

As we define stewardship, it is to apply to all of our resources – not only money but also time, ability, influence (and perhaps we could add energy).

The phrase “through the church” is an attempt to address a commonly held but erroneous view that giving is something that occurs only between “me and God”. Accountability to a local body of believers has a practical aspect to it – when I am part of a church, I am obligated to support the local ministry of that church with my resources.

This last week, I had the privilege of collecting funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Because this was my third year as a volunteer, our neighbours welcomed me in (mostly), and we would chat a while, as they prepared to give. It was a rewarding exercise, and one which showed me that when people are given the opportunity to share, many do so with joy.

A joyful sharing of what really belongs to God, whether it be money, time, ability or influence, is a strong statement of faith. It expresses our confidence that God, who has given us what we now are entrusted with, will provide more in the future if we return some to Him now.

Article 15 cautions us against greed, the eagerness to accumulate, and points us to giving as a grateful response to God.

Reuben Pauls is pastor of River of Life Church in Sorrento, B.C. and former executive minister for the Canadian MB Conference.

CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES Article 15

Stewardship God’s Creation Mandate We believe the universe and everything in it belong to God the Creator. God has entrusted the care of the earth to all people, who are responsible for managing its resources. Good stewardship uses the earth’s abundance to meet human need, but resists the unjust exploitation of the earth and its peoples. All God’s gifts are to be received with thanksgiving and used responsibly. Responsible Living To confess Jesus as Lord transforms values. Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Preoccupation with money and possessions, self-indulgent living and eagerness to accumulate wealth for personal advantage are not in keeping with the teaching of Scripture. Generous Giving The Bible teaches cheerful, sacrificial, and proportional giving through the church in grateful response to God’s goodness. Christians do not claim any of their possessions as their own, but manage all their resources, including money, time, abilities and influence, in generous ways that give glory to God. They do not despise the poor but practice mutual aid within the church and share what they have with others in need. God’s people seek to embrace a lifestyle of simplicity and contentment. Genesis 1:28; Leviticus 25; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Psalm 24:1; Psalm 115:16; Proverbs 14:31; Amos 6:4-7; Malachi 3:6-10; Matthew 6:19-34; Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 6:38; Luke 12:13-21; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 Timothy 17-19; James 2:1-7, 15-16; James 5:1-6; 1 John 3:16-18; Jude 11. View complete Confession of Faith

 
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Last modified July 8, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
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