Why Should I Care?

Dear friend,

You are always on my mind when I’m putting together an issue of Reach UP magazine because I wonder how you will like it. This time, I confess I was going through a bit of depression while finishing this issue on caring about our surroundings.

I imagined some of our readers scoffing, “Why should I care?” Why should I care to make things look nice for the holidays? Why should I care about taking care of an old car that embarrasses me? Why should I care? Who cares?”

I’m sorry if you are experiencing a similar feeling. I know it’s not fun or easy to climb out of that funk.

Here’s what I remind myself when I’m feeling this way: Caring for my family, my possessions, and my surroundings can feel overwhelming. But when I see the full picture, it’s bigger than me.

The Bible says I am a steward, a manager of what God has given me. Being a manager implies I don’t own it. While I might own some things legally on paper, in truth, God owns everything, and I’m just a manager.

This changes my viewpoint. If my home (whether it is an apartment, room in a program or a cell), my family, or my car is God’s, suddenly I realize I should take better care of it. After all, who has more authority – me or God?

Not only that, because I know God is interested and cares for me, perhaps one of the ways I bless Him is by the way I care for what He has given me.

The Bible says, “The one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities” (Luke 16:10 tpt). I have lived long enough to witness that this is true. God can promote us and give greater blessings even when it seems impossible.

So, may I encourage you to care? If you are in a rough place, please know that I get it. Even if you feel like pulling the covers over your head and letting things fall where they may, keep your eyes on God who gave His very best — Jesus! Hold onto His promises. Lift your head up, and Reach UP to the Creator for help and inspiration to faithfully manage what God has given you.

Caring and Reaching UP,
Crystal Knapp