Just on Loan...

Readings: I Chronicles 29:10-20

During the rein of King David, he attempted to build the finest temple the world had ever seen. God had other plans, however, so the duty fell upon Solomon, his son, after he took possession of the crown. While the magnificent structure was being planned and David was collecting provisions for the undertaking, he prayed the following prayer:

"Praise be to you, O Lord, God our Father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name" (29:10-13). 

David then goes on to point out something very liberating to us all: "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand" (29:14). "O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building  you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand and all of it belongs to you" (29:16).

Everything we have...our time, our possessions, our very lives...are on loan. It really puts things in perspective. Probably one of the best loans we'll ever receive, no doubt--but a loan nevertheless. All the fuss about what to wear, how to decorate our homes, how we appear to those around us--not really that big of a deal after all. Our sole purpose is to take the abundant blessings we're given and to use them to help those around us. That pleases God more so than all the latest and greatest of anything.

So, the next time we feel like we're not quite good enough because we're not where someone else is financially or otherwise, just remember...it's just a loan. 

We're given this loan interest free and unconditionally. What we do with this miraculous loan truly determines our respect for it.

Peace be with you.