Our faithfulness in dealing with the little things in life is an indication of how we may handle the large and important matters of life. Jesus told a parable about an unrighteous steward and his master praised him because he had acted shrewdly. Jesus was using a rabbinical pattern of teaching from the lesser to the greater. If one is praised for using worldly wealth well, then how much more one is praised for stewardship in spiritual matters. Jesus makes that point in the next verse:

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. (Luke 16:10)

If a person cannot handle the little things well, then one cannot be entrusted with spiritual matters. The apostle Paul described the responsibility of a steward of God’s truth:

This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

If we understand that everything we have is from God, then we realize that God is the owner and we are His stewards. As such, we are to use our Master’s resources to further His goals. Jim Elliot wisely recorded that “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:11-12)

We must determine that we will serve God and not succumb to the allure of money. We must realize that true wealth is in knowing God. Thoreau wrote that a man is wealthy in proportion to the number of things he can afford to do without:

But He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Our hearts may be tempted toward greed, but we must put money in its proper place and realize that our true treasure is in heaven:

No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Luke 16:13)

Jesus did not say you should not, but you cannot serve two masters. If God is our Master, then money will be our servant, and we will use our resources to serve Him. If money is our master however, then we will become a servant of money. Money may be a good servant, but it is a terrible master.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark