Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 3:26, 29; Ps. 50:10–12;

1 Chron. 29:13, 14; Phil. 4:19; 1 John 5:3; Matt. 6:19–21.

Memory Text: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed

on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NKJV).

As Christians, an amazing feature about our relationship with

God is that He trusts us to manage His affairs on the earth.

At the very outset of human history, God explicitly delegated

to Adam and Eve the personal care of a flawless creation. (See Gen.

2:7–9, 15.) From the naming of the animals to keeping the Garden, and

to filling the earth with children, God let it be known that we are to

work on His behalf here.

He also blesses us with resources, but we are the ones whom He has

entrusted to manage them, such as to collect money, to write the checks,

to do the electronic transfers, to make the budgets, or to bring our tithes

and offerings to the church on Sabbath mornings. God encourages us

to spend the resources that He has given to us for our own needs, for

the needs of others, and for the advancement of His work. Incredible

as it may seem, we are the ones whom God has entrusted with raising

His children, building His buildings, and educating the succeeding

generations.

In this week’s study, we will explore the privileges and responsibili-

ties of being a part of the family of God.