Romans 14:7-8 NASB1995 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
There is a law in our country referred to as the Intellectual Property Law. According to Digital Guardian, Intellectual property is protected and enforced using legal instruments such as copyrights, trademarks, and patents. The object of IP is to ensure people earn the rightful recognition and control of their creative endeavors, in addition to reaping the financial benefits thereof.
We have been told that our life is our own, but even our laws in this country state that our Creator has property rights over us. Many have thought that we have ownership of ourselves and, therefore, can transfer ownership to whomever we please. By refusing God's ownership they have attempted to take control over their lives. Unfortunately, that false ownership is short-lived and they end up owing for the use of something that was never theirs in the first place.
I know a business that used a name that had already been owned by another. It ended up costing them for the time they used the name and for all the expenses of building it up. In the end, they had nothing.
Paul explains to us that this is the case for anyone who believes that their life is their own. You will spend all your time and effort attempting to build your name, reputation, glory, and worth, only to find out in the end you have nothing. In the end, your true owner will say since you spent all this time and effort attempting to prove that you are your own, I will turn you over to your achievements. Scripture says the wages of sin is death. That is all your self-righteous achievements will earn. However, before He turns them over they will recognize for the first time His true ownership of themselves. They will bow the knee and confess Jesus is the Lord!
On the flip side of this. Those who recognize that they are the property of their Creator and redeemer (Jesus) will receive the joy of being rewarded with the Grace of the inheritance of their Father. This is a Blessing.
For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
It is best to receive His Grace by recognizing His ownership, or a better way to put it is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Live for Him because He has creative rights over you.
Love Bro. Scott