Worship the Creator, Not the Created
A Fresh Look at God as Creator
I recently did a deep study on the attributes of God, and one truth stood out: God is uncreated, yet He created everything.
I know that might sound obvious—“Of course, He’s God. Genesis 1 makes that clear.” But here’s the thing: we often overlook what that really means.
God, as Creator, has full ownership and authority over all that exists—including us. As Jen Wilkin writes in None Like Him,
“If everything created owes its existence to God, then nothing created truly belongs to another created thing.”
In other words, we have no ultimate claim over anything. Yet as humans, we often live as if we do—clinging tightly to our possessions, our status, and even the people in our lives.
A Humbling Reminder from Scripture
The apostle Paul captures this reality in 1 Corinthians 4:7:
“For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?” (CSB)
It’s a humbling question—one that prompts us to pause and reflect: Am I living with open hands or clenched fists?
God Owns It All—And Cares for It All
Here’s the encouragement: because God owns everything, He also takes responsibility for its care. That includes us.
In His grace, God invites us to partner with Him—not as owners, but as stewards. In Genesis 2:15, we read that God placed Adam in the garden to work it and take care of it. From the beginning, we were created in His image with the calling to tend, protect, and nurture His creation.
What Does Faithful Stewardship Look Like?
So, how can we live out this calling in our everyday lives? Here are three key ways to practice faithful stewardship:
1. Use Your God-Given Abilities
Don’t bury your gifts. Whatever God has entrusted to you—talents, resources, or influence—use it to bring Him glory.
2. Serve the Needs of Others
Stewardship includes compassion and generosity. We were never meant to live for ourselves alone.
3. Make the Most of Your Time
Time is one of the most overlooked gifts we’ve been given. Invest it wisely. Use it to grow in your faith, love your family, and build up others.
A Closing Encouragement
In a world that encourages us to worship created things—success, beauty, wealth—may we remember the One who made it all. Let’s live with open hands and faithful hearts, honoring the Creator by how we care for His creation.
“Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.”
—Revelation 4:11 (CSB)
Meet the Author
Alex Hanson
Alexandra (Alex) Hanson is loved by a King. She lives in good ‘ole Iowa with her husband of almost 2 years, Blake, and their two fur-babies, Violet and Ringo. She grew up reading books of fairytales and love overcoming all. While she hasn’t found herself living in a castle, she has discovered that Love did conquer all. Alex works in vocational ministry at Sunnybrook Community Church in Sioux City, Iowa. She does many things there, but her favorite part is leading people in worship through singing and writing.
Alex is a homebody at heart. She spends her free time mostly at home, reading books and watching movies with her husband. But, she also loves the outdoors. When it isn’t freezing or scorching hot in Iowa, you can find her exploring God’s Creation. On the side, she loves cooking and is in a local cover band. She believes that it’s important to break the stigma that following Jesus is a boring, mundane existence. Instead, she has found that a life being loved by and loving a King is one of adventure and joy. It’s the ultimate fairytale, because as we know, fairytales always have a happy ending.
