I had completed a term of relief work in remote jungle villages of southeast Asia, and I was happy to be back home with family and friends in the U.S. It was only when my mother asked me to pick up some groceries that I became aware of the major change that had occurred in my perspective of material goods. The abundance and variety of foods available in the large supermarket literally overwhelmed me. The diet of the villagers I had worked with consisted mainly of rice and fish. Malnutrition, disease, infant mortality, and starvation always loomed. 

While much of the world does not have enough food, medicine, clothing, and Bibles, few North American Christians lack any of these. What each of us does with the abundant blessings that God has entrusted to us determines our standing as stewards. 

The Apostle James wrote, “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you . . . give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16). Jesus said, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me” (Matthew 25:45).  

There’s a fine line between self-indulgence and meeting our personal or family needs. To determine where that line is, we need a God-given sensitivity combined with a surrendered heart that seeks His will in every area of life. If we are faithful stewards, we can anticipate being joyfully welcomed to our eternal home with the beautiful words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). 

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold. – Frances Ridley Havergal

~ Pete Lewis