Who Owns You?

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Now there is a tough question. A lot of people will shout out the answer quickly, "No one owns me. I own myself". Then follows the long speech about America and freedom. That's what it's all about right? Being an American means you are your own person. You choose what you want to do and pursue it with our blessing. As America grows more and more tolerant, this philosophy grows in strength. It doesn't matter who you are or what you want to do, you should be allowed to. Anyone who says otherwise is a bigot. Add church on Sunday and a little Jesus, and you have American Christianity.

Some of you who have some wisdom may stop to think before giving the mindless answer we have all been programmed to say. After some thought, you know that the correct answer is, "God owns me."

Yes, of course he does. I am reminded of a beautiful song adapted by Kristian Stanfill (Original by Elvina Hall) called "Jesus paid it all". The chorus states, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe..." Roman's 6:23 states, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ." It can't be said any clearer. Just like the indentured servants from the old world to the new, Jesus paid for you to come live in His kingdom. He calls us to be citizens of His kingdom today. Right now. (Luke 17:21), (Luke 21:31), (Matthew 5:10).

So, back to the original question. Who owns you? We have determined the correct answer, but do we actually believe it? Even more than that, do we actually practice it? I want to say that have this down, and that I am ever the servant of the Lord, but truth is, I don't know the extent of my commitment. Do I really put all of my life in God's hands? Do I trust Him with all of my paycheck? How about my bills, my job, my home? Most people will answer that they do, but what if He asked you to give them up. "Quit your job today." How would you respond?

American society has taught us to be providers, and that the pursuit of a career is the ultimate goal. God says, "But seek first His kingdom..." (Matthew 6:33). What if your job comes first in your life? How do you lay it down for Him? What if he told you to quit and seek Him? Would you trust Him to take care of you? Society would tell you that it is irresponsible and foolish, but so was walking around a city to defeat it (Joshua 16). So was standing before the ruler of Egypt and demanding release of all that free labor (Exodus 5:1). Truly, how many times has God called someone into greatness by saying, "stay right where you are, and I'll just make it work for you."?

He just doesn't.

So who will you choose? Who will own you? America? Work? Religion? Church? Volunteering? Family? Or the One true God, who bought you with his very life? What will you give to be in His kingdom? What is your price?

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:14-15)



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