MEMORY VERSE: “Then Isaac sowed in that land and received in the same year a hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” Genesis 26:12.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 39:2-4.
INTRODUCTION
Resources in general are anything that is useful and adds value to life. This could be air, water, metals, minerals, animals, plants, humans, etc Genesis 1:29-30. God in His mercies has endowed every society with human and natural resources, which enables them to produce the goods and services needed for their survival and prosperity 1 King 5:6. Resources can be grouped into three: capital resources, natural resources, and human resources. Our focus in this lesson is on how to effectively manage the resources that surround us.
OUTLINES
- MANAGING CAPITAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES
- MANAGING PEOPLE
1. MANAGING CAPITAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES
God expects us to properly account for capital and natural resources in our care. Genesis 31:38-40. This shows a high level of responsibility in making sure that the resources are fully maximised. Resources are to be properly controlled and used Genesis 1:28-30. For instance, money as a capital resource must be spent wisely and multiplied through investment Luke 19:12-16. Abusing resources through any form of wastage is gross indiscipline and disservice to humanity Proverbs 21:20; Luke 15:11-14.
Effective resource management also comes along with a high level of integrity; irrespective of the number of resources in our care we must be honest about the way we dispense them 1 Samuel 12:3. It is expedient that we make every effort to be productive with the resources in our sphere of influence Genesis 30:29-30; Genesis 39:3. We also need to know that we are holding forth for any resource in our care; we shall all give account Matthew 25:19.
2. MANAGING PEOPLE
Every creature of God is useful if properly discovered and engaged appropriately Judges 11:7-8; Ephesians 3:7-8. This principle is illustrated in the case of the four lepers regarded as outcasts, but whom God used to bring succour to the nation of Israel in the time of famine, 2 Kings 7:8-9. Like David, we must
harness the strength of the people society may regard as invalid and turn them from dross into silver 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 1 Chronicles 11:10-11. Bring out the best in everyone just as Jesus turned Peter into a bold evangelist Acts 2:14; Acts 4:13 Manage people well; Nehemiah did these with the people of Jerusalem and got
results Nehemiah 2:18; 4:17; 12-27.
Humans are created with varying talents; these gifts should be discovered and used to the optimum. When humans are inspired, they will delightfully work effectively Nehemiah 2:17-18. Discover people’s strengths and leverage them while you help them work on their weaknesses Acts 18:24-26.
CONCLUSION
Every resource must be seen as a gift that must be well managed to bless others.
FURTHER READING
Sun: 2 Kings 7:8-9.
Mon: Ephesians 3:7-9.
Tues: Matthew 25:19.
Wed: Nehemiah 4:17.
Thurs: Nehemiah 2:17-18.
Fri: 1 Chronicles 11:11-13
Sat: Genesis 1:28-30.