Wise Christians
The people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. Luke 16:8
READ Luke 16:1–9
The coronavirus pandemic resulted in
canceled schools around the world. In China, teachers responded with
DingTalk, a digital app that enabled class to be held online. Then their
students figured out that if DingTalk’s rating fell too low, it might
be removed from the App Store. Overnight, thousands of one-star reviews
dropped DingTalk’s score.
Jesus wouldn’t be impressed with the students shirking their
responsibilities, but He might admire their ingenuity. He told an
unusual story about a fired manager who on his final day slashed the
bills of his master’s debtors. Jesus didn’t praise the manager’s
dishonesty. Rather He commended his cleverness and wished His followers
would be equally shrewd: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends
for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into
eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9).
When it comes to money, most people look at how much they might lose. Wise people look for what they can use.
Jesus said giving to others “gain[s] friends,” which provides safety
and influence. Who is the leader in any group? The one who pays. Giving
also gains “eternal dwellings,” for our willingness to part with our
cash shows our trust is in Jesus.
Even if we don’t have money, we do have time, skills, or a listening
ear. Let’s ask God to show us how to creatively serve others for Jesus.
By Mike Wittmer |
Who does Jesus want you to serve today? How might you creatively use your skills, money, or time to bless this person?
Jesus, I want to give to others for You. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The main character in the story Jesus told in Luke 16:1–8 is referred to as a “manager.” The word translated “manager” is oikonómos.
Such persons were in charge of household affairs (to include finances,
servants, children, flocks, and fields). Though English translations
don’t necessarily reflect this, words derived from this root word appear
seven times in this passage, including what’s translated “my job” in
verses 3 and 4. In 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 and Titus 1:7, Paul uses oikonómos
to refer to Christian leaders. Peter uses the term to refer to
believers in Jesus in general (1 Peter 4:10). Each has been entrusted
with gifts and responsibilities for which we’re accountable to God.
Wisely using these gifts and responsibilities goes with good
stewardship.
Arthur Jackson
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