As a student of history, I realize I live in a time and place of extraordinary blessing. Most people in developed countries today enjoy greater comfort, convenience, and security than the kings of Europe did just a few centuries ago. As an American in the 21st century, I benefit daily from instant communication, advanced medicine, indoor plumbing, climate control, education, and global travel—luxuries that even royalty of the past could not have imagined. My income as a Case Manager, though modest by U.S. standards (equivalent to a teacher’s salary), places me among the global elite. In fact, if I earn more than $34,000 a year, I am in the top 1% of global income earners. Nearly half the world’s population—about 3.5 billion people—live on less than $6.85 per day. Compared to the trials faced by countless others throughout history and around the planet—slavery, persecution, disease, poverty, and oppression—I have no real problems to speak of.
While billions struggle just to survive, I live in abundance—blessed beyond measure by the hand of God. As Solomon wrote, “It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Prov 10:22). I don’t carry guilt—I carry gratitude. These blessings aren’t random; they’re gifts from a gracious God who entrusts them for a purpose. As James reminds us, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above” (Jam 1:17). I’m not just a recipient—I’m a steward. As Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
This perspective humbles me. God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve, and I’m accountable for how I handle it. I don’t own these blessings—I manage them. My time, talents, and treasures belong to the Lord, and I’m called to use them for His glory and the good of others (1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 4:10–11). I want to enjoy what God has given, but never with entitlement. Gratitude is the right attitude. I reject both the hoarding mindset that clings to wealth and the guilt-ridden view that despises prosperity.
So I ask the Lord to help me use these short days wisely (Psa 90:12), not squandering the opportunities He’s entrusted to me. Whether through generous giving, practical service, or small acts of kindness, I want to be a faithful steward—grateful, joyful, and useful. I have no interest in wasting my life chasing self-centered goals. I want to spend it well—for His glory, the good of others, and the eternal impact that only faithful stewardship can produce.
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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