I struggled with this

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

Psalms 24:1

This Shocked Me

This is a question based on a biblical truth that we hammer home in MD5 and it challenges us to think differently about money.

So, here's the question. What if you didn’t actually own anything?

How did you feel when you first heard this question?

It certainly got my attention when I was challenged with it. However, as I get older and closer to God it's actually one of the most freeing biblical truths that I've learned in the past 8 years since I started my MD5 discipleship process.

The Good News

As scripture says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” That means your house, your car, your bank account—even your ability to earn a paycheck—belongs to God.

And believe it or not, that’s good news!

When you understand that God owns it all, it takes the pressure off. You’re not the owner—you’re the manager. Your job isn’t to hoard, stress, or constantly strive. It’s to steward what God has entrusted to you. That shift in mindset brings peace. It brings purpose. And it brings clarity about what really matters.

Financial Freedom

Managing God’s money His way means giving generously, saving wisely, living within your means, and trusting that He’ll provide. It’s not always easy, especially because of the "me-first" culture we live in but it’s worth it—because you’re no longer trying to figure it all out on your own. You’re following God’s lead. When you loosen your grip, you actually gain more freedom!

How Have You Been Doing?

Have you applied this truth in your life since your cohort? Or have you forgotten it? 

Start by changing the way you see ownership. Embrace your role as a steward and watch how God brings peace, purpose, and provision into your financial life.

Then, work to remind yourself constantly that God truly does own it all. We just get to manage it for a while for His glory and our good.

So, surrender all that is rightfully the Lord's and enjoy him and all of God's blessings in your life, starting today!

Ryan Johnson

MD5 Facilitator