Renting, owning, and living …

“I miss renting …” was the comment a first-time homeowner made a few days ago. She’s discovering that, while home ownership has some benefits, it also has some challenges!

As a renter, you enjoy the dwelling, and maintain it, but when something breaks, you call the landlord for the repair. As a homeowner, you enjoy the dwelling, maintain it, and arrange and pay for anything that gets broken. And, of course, you pay the property taxes. But it’s yours! And if the housing market ever settles down, you might even earn some equity from your investment.

Renting is about getting all the benefit, without the risks or costs. Ownership is having even greater benefit, along with all the risks and costs.

Some people live their lives as if they are renting. They want all the benefits without any of the risks or costs. These people don’t get off the couch much.

Some people live their lives as if it’s a stewardship: while it actually belongs to God, what we do with it could yield unimaginable reward.

When it comes to life, are you renting, or being a wise steward?

Scotty