Laying the Foundation for a Blessed Life

What makes a life truly blessed? It’s not the absence of trouble—life spares no one from that. Rather, it’s an inner strength: a steadfast heart, enduring faith, and unshaken joy that stand firm through storms. This isn’t just the fruit of a blessed life; it’s built on a solid foundation. Like any sturdy structure, our lives need a bedrock of truth to hold steady. Without it, everything wobbles. Today, we’ll uncover three key principles from Scripture that form this foundation, guiding us to a life aligned with God’s design—a life of trust, generosity, and hope.

The first principle is ownership. Not ours, but God’s. Everything we have—our homes, skills, time, money—carries His title deed. Psalm 24:1 proclaims, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,” and 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 celebrates His sovereignty over all greatness, power, and riches. Nothing truly belongs to us; it’s all His. We might plan, work, and enjoy, but if we’re redeemed by Christ’s blood, we recognize His authority over every possession. This isn’t a side note—it’s the cornerstone of a blessed life. When we grasp that it all belongs to God, our perspective shifts from clutching “mine” to stewarding “His.” How does that truth reshape your view of what’s in your hands?

Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy.” What we treasure pulls our focus, time, and energy. So, where’s your heart? Are you fixated on the next paycheck or promotion, or on God? Jesus contrasts temporary wealth—cars, investments, status—with eternal treasure in Him. Earthly things fade; His kingdom endures. He drives this home in Matthew 6:25-34, repeating “do not be anxious” three times (verses 25, 31, 34). This isn’t about shirking responsibility—Scripture praises diligence (Proverbs 22:29; 21:5)—but about priority. Anxiety over material needs can choke out trust in God.

Jesus offers four cautions:

• Don’t Be Consumed by Material Concerns: Chasing wealth for security often blinds us to God’s provision. Pursue Him instead (Philippians 4:6-7).
• Don’t Let Anxiety Rob Your Life: Worry steals peace and health, overshadowing God’s care.
• Don’t Replace Faith with Wealth: Obsession with “more” drowns out trust in God’s love.
• Don’t Forget Eternity: Earthly focus misses the bigger picture (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
  
  

His solution? “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Give God the first—your best time, energy, decisions—not the leftovers. When He’s first, He promises to provide. Are you giving Him your prime, or just what’s left after the world takes its share?

In a world of abundance and need, wealth flows freely to some—athletes, CEOs, celebrities—while others struggle for basics. Success isn’t wrong, but it comes with responsibility. God’s answer is simple: obedience through tithing. Malachi 3:7-8 confronts God’s people for withholding tithes, calling it robbery. Historically, the tithe—a tenth of income or harvest (Leviticus 27:30; 2 Chronicles 31:5)—sustained priests, worship, and the needy (Deuteronomy 14:27-29). When people gave faithfully, society thrived. When they didn’t, it faltered.

God’s promise in Malachi 3:10-11 is striking: “Bring the full tithe…and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you.” Obedience brings:

• Overflowing provision.
• Protection over resources.
• Joy and favor that testify to others.
  
  

Financial expert Larry Burkett once estimated that if American Christians tithed 10%, churches would gain billions for missions and ministry. Yet, data shows believers average just 2.5%. The funds are there—locked in disobedience. Tithing isn’t a chore; it’s worship. It’s saying, “God, You’re the Owner. I trust You.” It echoes Christ’s sacrifice, giving His best for us. Beyond money, God calls for our time, talents, and gifts (Matthew 25:35-36; Acts 20:35). Are you holding back, or offering Him the tithe He deserves?

These principles—It All Belongs to God, The First Belongs to God, The Tithe Belongs to God—aren’t rules to burden us; they’re freedoms to bless us. Solomon chased happiness in wealth and power, finding only despair. David treasured God, and blessings flowed. Jesus warns against worry and hoarding, pointing us to trust and generosity. When we live this way, we don’t just survive—we thrive with clarity and joy, no matter the season.

This week, reflect: Are you treating God as Owner, giving Him first place, and honoring Him with your tithe? Where you’ve held back, repent. Offer Him your dreams, your wealth, your all. Trust Him to provide, and watch Him build a blessed life on this unshakable foundation.

For more on this topic, listen to our sermon The Stewardship of Life, Part 5: