Use your money wisely

‘As a result the master of this dishonest manager praised him for doing such a shrewd thing; because the people of this world are much more shrewd in handling their affairs than the people who belong to the light.’
   And Jesus went on to say, ‘And so I tell you: make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth, so that when it gives out, you will be welcomed in the eternal home.’ (verses 8,9)

Read Luke 16:1-9

Christians have often been accused—probably accurately—of having a very unrealistic view of life in this world. That’s a little strange, because Jesus had so much to say about how to live in this world. It’s true that what he had to say about human relationships, politics and wealth flowed from his vision of God, but what he had to say was clear and down to earth.

So Jesus tells this engaging story about the crooked but shrewd manager who, faced with the sack, not strong enough for a labourer’s job and too proud to beg, used his position to put himself in favour with other wealthy people, and so ensured his future.

His message for believers is very direct: ‘So I tell you, make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth’. We are to use our money and possessions shrewdly and wisely to benefit others. We can do it as we see and believe how generously God has dealt with us.

Lord Jesus, you became poor in order to make me rich in faith and love. So make me ready to generously use my worldly wealth for the good of others. Amen.

by John Vitale, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.