“Trustworthy with true riches”

Read Luke 16:1-13

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It’s shocking to read this parable and find Jesus seeming to commend dishonest behaviour (8). But parables are mainly pithy stories to make one particular point very strikingly and that’s what’s intended here. Jesus uses an example of bad behaviour to underline once again that Christians need to use money in a way that will result in eternal reward (9).

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If the people of this world appreciate shrewd use of money, how much more should we who are stewards of what God has entrusted to us make sure that our worldly wealth is used faithfully. Being rich is spiritually dangerous, for as Jesus sums up here, “You cannot serve God and money” (13; Mt.6:24). The fact is we own nothing. All we have is God’s (Ps.24:1), given for our enjoyment (1 Tim.6:17) but also to use for good and for God’s glory (1 Ch.29:14; Rom.11:35-36).

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A steward must be trustworthy – Jesus says honesty is essential (10-12). So we must use our Master’s resources properly or else we rob not only him but ourselves too (Mt.24:45-51). Material wealth is temporal, but good and faithful stewards know that it can be used to acquire treasure in heaven, along with their Master’s, “Well done” (Mt.6:19-21; 25:21,23).