“It’s not mine.”
In a world that often measures worth by ownership—what we acquire, accumulate, or control—these four simple words invite us back to a profound truth: every good thing in our lives ultimately comes from God. Our time, our talents, and our treasures are not ours to hoard but to steward. When Pastor Steve Poe reminded his congregation that “it’s not mine,” he was calling everyone to live from a posture of gratitude and responsibility.
Time: A Gift to Use Wisely
Each sunrise is a reminder that we have been granted 24 hours—moments we did not create but inherited. When we say, “It’s not mine,” we acknowledge that our days belong to the One who fashioned us. How then shall we live? By investing our time into relationships, serving others, and growing in character. We pause social media scrolling to truly listen. We replace busyness with intention.
Talents: Entrusted for Impact
Whether you craft music, teach young minds, fix broken hearts, or engineer solutions—your abilities are not solely your own. They are entrusted assets meant to bless others. Recognizing “it’s not mine” frees us from self-centered ambition. Instead, we steward our gifts—mentoring someone, volunteering our skills, encouraging a neighbor. In doing so, talent becomes a channel for God’s grace rather than a trophy for self.
Treasure: Tools to Multiply Good
Pastor Poe’s reverse tithe exemplified this heart: giving first, trusting God, and watching generosity ripple outward. When we remind ourselves, “It’s not mine,” money ceases to be a possession to protect; it becomes currency for Kingdom impact. We pay bills, yes, but we also feed the hungry, support missions, and sow seeds of hope in our neighborhoods. Financial stewardship is not about lack—it’s about faith in divine provision.
Core Takeaways:
- Time is a nonrenewable gift—use it to prioritize what truly matters.
- Talents are entrusted for service—offer them generously.
- Treasure is a resource—be generous without expectation of return.
- Trust in God’s provision—live from abundance, not scarcity.
By embracing that “it’s not mine,” our perspective shifts from entitlement to stewardship. We become caretakers of divine gifts, called to invest them faithfully—whether in small acts of kindness or large-scale generosity. As we surrender what we’ve been given, we discover the freedom and joy of living on mission.
Learn more about how Northview Church of Carmel, IN, applied these principles when they gave away $83,000 in a “reverse tithe.”
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