How do you view your role and responsibility in life – one who is a caretaker of those ‘things’, relationships, people, etc. in your life or as the owner of them? Your interpretation of who you are determines absolutely everything because it forms the foundation of your mindset, your frame of reference. Webster defines caretaker: “one who gives physical or emotional care and support; one that takes care of the house or the land of the owner…” Synonyms are: custodian, guardian, janitor, keeper, watchman. The definition of owner is: “…belonging to oneself or itself; to have power or mastery over.” The synonyms are: command, enjoy, hold, have, possess.
As you can see – these two words are entirely different and give two differing perspectives. How do you tend to operate in your world – as a caretaker over which you’ve been given responsibility or the owner? With an owner perspective you can do with whatever you have with impunity. However, if your perspective is that of a caretaker then there’s greater responsibility because (fill in the blank) doesn’t belong to you. It’s been given into your hands for care – to protect… to support.
If you mishandle as an owner – it’s your loss, yes, but your attitude probably won’t be affected much, other than irritation. On the other hand, as a caretaker the mishandling is far graver. If unthinking or unplanned for then your caretaking abilities are called into question, and with it comes a reflection on your character. Why does any of this matter? It matters because it reflects on who you are and your character. So why not take an owner perspective? Basically because we aren’t always in an owner position – many times we are caretakers whether or not we act accordingly.
“The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, The world and those
who dwell therein.”
This scripture is from Psalm 24:10 and is repeated in 1 Corinthians 10:26 (plus Exodus 19 and 1 Timothy 4). This is not an idle statement. Ownership is declared! Thus we become caretakers of this world, of relationships, of how we live our lives, of how we go about being us in this world, etc. But never think that being a caretaker is just a little thing. Looks at what we are responsible for and to do. It should also tell us that we can’t do it on our own, that we need to act in accordance with the owner’s wishes and work with one another to fulfill our role, responsibility, and opportunity because being a Caretaker is very important.
