Hello there,
How has November been for you?
I pray the last days of this month are better than before. Amen.
Today, we shall take a close look at the parable of the Dishonest (or Unjust) Steward. This text is taken from Luke 16:1–13 (New King James Version)
He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
“Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’
“So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.
“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when it fails, they may receive you into an everlasting home. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
At first glance, we may consider it strange that Jesus Christ used the example of a dishonest manager to draw parallels on the way believers are expected to behave. Yet, it is necessary to observe that this story centers on the need for us to be wise and faithful in our dealings.
Worldly Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom
In the story, it was stated that the steward wasted his master’s goods. Rather than being honest with the accounts of his administration, he tampered with them by reducing the debt of those who owed his master. He did this in order to win the favour of the debtors should the master dismiss him from service. From this, we see a lack of integrity illustrated in the example of steward.
We live in a world where selfish desires and ambitions are constantly propagated. Some believe that they have to be narcissistic in order to climb the social and economic ladder that exists in the world today. Others engage in dishonest practices in a bid to secure jobs, careers, relationships, connections and other earthly things that are dear to them.
Nonetheless, Jesus Christ used the example of the steward to emphasize the need for us to apply wisdom in our dealings. He does not encourage us to emulate the deceit, dishonesty or craftiness of the present age. Instead, He points out the need for us children of God to apply the Father’s wisdom in everything we do, especially as we carry out His work in the world. This includes the effective use of money and material wealth that we possess to secure our heavenly homes in His kingdom.
It is vital to know the key difference between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. The Scriptures point out the clear distinction between the two:
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. — James 3:13–17 (English Standard Version)
Any person who claims to be wise should check that he has pure motives, is peaceful, gentle, open to reason, merciful, impartial, sincere and bears good fruits. It is also essential to note that true wisdom comes from God above who gives abundantly to all who seek it. All you need do is be humble and ask in faith, without doubting. (c.f. James 1: 5–6)
Test of Faithfulness
As believers, we must recall that we are stewards of God’s Kingdom on earth and the entirety of our service to Him will be tested. If we do not pass these tests, how can we be welcomed into God’s everlasting Kingdom to receive the eternal inheritance that awaits us?
God has given each of His children something unique to do for Him on earth. Thus, it is imperative to remain faithful in our service to Him. The test of our faithfulness lies in the manner we handle the tasks God has committed to us. If we are not loyal to God and transparent in these things, no matter how little or big they may seem, we have no claims to the rewards that have been promised to all who remain true till the end. Our attitude to our God-given assignments is very important as we will account for our stewardship to God.
Let us be encouraged to remain focused in the pursuit of His Kingdom, as our allegiance belongs to Him who saved us from sin, death and the devil.
May God grant us His wisdom and grace to remain faithful to Him. Amen.
