In the course of my recent Bible studies and reflections on current events, guided by the teachings of Charles Spurgeon, I've navigated the intricate intersections of faith, self-reliance, and stewardship. Last year, my focus was committing my work to the Lord, the verse that stood out to me the most was Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. This year, my focus is on the sovereignty of God; Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
In today's fast-paced world, with economic uncertainties and a growing disconnect, a valuable treasure trove of wisdom from the past beckons to us. As tribulations mount, the allure of self-reliance stands as a temptation, promising the allure of control over our endeavors. The resilience and frugality exhibited during the Great Depression resound as a testament to the virtues of self-reliance. Yet, in the vast tapestry of existence, I contend that such qualities, though commendable, demand alignment with a deeper Truth—a Truth that hinges on an unwavering reverence for God, acknowledging His sovereign will and grace as our guiding forces.
2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.
John 15:5 ...for apart from me you can do nothing.
Choosing self-reliance over God-reliance often stems from a skewed perception of God's authority in our lives. The adversary's subtle whispers lead us astray, fostering the deceptive notion that our ability to self-manage surpasses God's divinity. This perilous path will usher in serious consequences. Self-reliance, though tempting, begets the pursuit of fleeting happiness through external means. Solomon gave a poignant warning against the pursuit of self, warning that it will leave us hollow and unfulfilled.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
The call to self-reliance tempts us to prioritize personal abilities and experiences over God. God-reliance doesn't negate the virtues of frugality, resilience, or resourcefulness; instead, it harmonizes these attributes with a reverence for God. Practicing daily dependence on God ensures that we are guided by His divine wisdom. It can be as simple as spending time in the Word each day, praying for His guidance, and acknowledging that sufficiency comes from God.
2 Corinthians 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Be Thankful
Gratitude becomes our anchor in acknowledging that we are not promised anything and are owed nothing. In the current landscape, the Christian community faces not only the challenges of economic uncertainties but also the rise of theological movements that deviate from the fundamental truths of Scripture. The emergence of false theological movements within the charismatic evangelical church has been a subject of major concern for some time. The prosperity gospel, extolling material wealth as a divine favor, has long been scrutinized. More recently, a contrasting movement, the "poverty gospel," has surfaced, advocating for a life of simplicity and detachment from material prosperity. amidst these movements, there lies a subtle danger—valuing personal experience over eternal Truth. While cautioning against idolizing wealth and extolling the virtues of humility and contentment, the Bible equally underscores the responsibility of faithful stewardship when blessed with financial resources. Allow gratitude to God to guide us to a life anchored in God-reliance and faithful stewardship.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Guidance
If self-reliance appears to be the logical response to the challenging trajectory of the world, the conflicting notion that it should be discarded may leave one pondering the way forward. The timeless answer is the steadfast leaning on God. Surrender your troubles and concerns to the Lord and find solace in the assurance that He has already orchestrated the resolution. Let humility and gratitude guide your steps. Amid the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter, uphold the unwavering priority of God; be vigilant that neither material possessions nor philosophical ideologies become idols.
Matthew 6:26-30 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith.
Reconsidering the allure of shiny new items, opting for quality over fleeting trends, and embracing sustainability through reusing and repurposing items align with the principles of being good stewards. Wisely managing the treasure entrusted to our care is God-honoring.
Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Nourishing Body and Soul
In addition to stewarding the resources gifted by God, we are equally called to honor and care for our bodies, which are the temple of the Holy Spirit. This responsibility can start in the kitchen. Cooking from scratch, guided by intentional hands and a heart filled with gratitude, surpasses mere sustenance. By selecting whole, unprocessed ingredients and crafting meals from the ground up (literally, from the garden up), we not only express our thankfulness for the provisions granted to us, but we also nourish both body and soul. In the simplicity of cooking from scratch with whole foods, we extend our commitment to being good stewards of the bodies we've been entrusted with.
Proverbs 28:19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you knot know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
To bring it all back to herbalism, just as we honor God by caring for our bodies through nourishing foods, we also honor Him when we use natural resources such as herbs to address our health and well-being. By opting for these gifts over lab-derived synthetic medications, we are being good stewards, embracing the flora gifts of the Lord for nourishing both body and soul and recognizing that natural remedies align with His divine plan. By incorporating herbs into our meals and medicine cabinet, we not only express thankfulness but also enhance our holistic well-being. This intentional integration of herbalism into our lifestyle echoes God's initial provision in the Garden of Eden, aligning our choices with His natural design. The sanctity of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit prompts us to prioritize holiness, and health, turning intentional self-care into a form of worship. Aligning our lives with God's Truth and relying on His wisdom ensures a path of fulfillment, stewardship, and faithful gratitude.
1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.
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