First of all, I have to assess what annoys me most in a situation like this. It isn't so much that the individual is using the borrowed items. After all, I leant the item(s) for that person's use. I think the issue for me is when people do not acknowledge that it is something borrowed. It leads me to question if I will see these items in my possession again.
On one hand, we are told that when you lend something to someone, treat it as if you will never have that item again. Under this philosophy people are less likely to come to blows over something borrowed and left unreturned. Also, it cautions you to weigh the value of your material possessions before forking it over. But on the other hand, there is the principle of one's word being his or her bond. If you say you are borrowing something, then there is a implied promise of a return. That needs to be honored. Right?
So these internal philosophical debates, always seem to highlight and challenge my spiritual growth. It's like God sets these situations up to just say, "This is something that we need to work on in our relationship." Huh? Whatchumean, Lord?
I have to remember that I am something borrowed. When I surrendered my life to God I gave him ownership, but there are times when I usurp control over certain areas of my life. I feel God poses the question, "will you return yourself--areas where you have taken control over-- to me or will you continue to steal yourself away from me?" Comeagain…
1Cor. 6:19-20 reads, "Do
you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you
have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your body." While this scripture is specifically speaking to refraining from sexual immorality, it reminds us that our lives (every aspect of it) have been redeemed by Jesus Christ.
Ideally, borrowed items should be treated better than the items that we personally own because we should want to return it in the same condition in which we got it if not better. Why? Well for starters, it takes a great deal of trust for someone to lend something out, and that also says a lot about how that individual sees the person that he/she is lending to. The person has also exhibited selflessness in lending his/her possessions to the other, and it wouldn't be right to inconvenience them any further. Nevertheless, there are times when we get familiar with what is borrowed and no longer take special care of the item. We treat it like it is common, devaluing its worth.
Are we devaluing our own lives by treating it like it is common? God values us more than we can imagine. His expressions of love, grace and mercy shown to us daily are indications of that.
I recognize that God is trusting me to use my life wisely, and through His guidance, I believe that I can. I'm sure that I will make mistakes, and possibly operate outside of His will at times. But remembering that I am not my own begins the process of returning myself to Him.
