Scripture

Leviticus 25:23 (New Living Translation)

“The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me.” [God’s instructions to the people of Israel, given to Moses on Mount Sinai]

Consider

When we choose to follow Christ, we voluntarily give up ownership of our lives. In our acceptance of God’s new covenant in Christ, we acknowledge that we—all that we are, all that we have, all to which we aspire—have been bought with the high price of the cross. Instead of working and planning to serve ourselves, we shift our perspective and now work for God, serving his aspirations and desires for this world.

When we choose to follow Christ, we, in effect, become tenants of our own lives and stewards of all that God has given us. He now owns everything for his own use. Of course, this was always the case. In following Christ we merely acknowledge the truth of it.

In fact, we can think of our relationships as “land” that God has leased to us, territory that he wants us to work and tend and nurture toward a harvest that serves his purpose. God assigns to us particular people and situations and then gives us resources to work them toward fruition that honors and glorifies him. Our job as tenant farmers is to submit to God’s plan for this particular bit of territory and obey his instructions. God’s job is to call into maturity the crop he intends.

This perspective can be especially helpful when we are facing a difficult relationship. Rather than asking ourselves, “What will serve me best?” we can ask, “What will serve God best in this situation?” Then, instead of trying to manipulate circumstances to achieve a particular outcome, we can focus all our efforts on submitting ourselves to God’s wiser plan and being obedient. The crop he intends might be hidden from our understanding, but faith teaches us that if we obey God, we don’t have to worry about the outcome. He will always produce good fruit in accordance with his purpose in the season that he decides.

Pray

FATHER, life becomes easier when I remember that I am not the owner of my life but merely a tenant who is in very wise and capable hands. Thank you for entrusting me with so many blessings, especially the people in my life. Help me to serve you by serving them. Teach me the value of obedience in situations that are difficult and painful. Give me grace to let go of my illusions of control and to give your Spirit freedom to produce good fruit in my life and relationships.

Reflect

Psalm 1:3; Isaiah 27:6

Share

What does it mean to be a tenant of one’s life rather than the owner? How might this perspective change your approach to relationships?