Squandered Wealth

Text: Luke 16: 1-13

Christian theology has long affirmed that the righteousness we have is the gift of God, not a provision or attainment of our own. It is described biblically in numerous ways: riches, inheritance, treasure, etc. The fact that it is given, however, does not indicate a lack of responsibility for its use. It does not become a possession to be disposed of or neglected at our discretion or whim. It is far closer to an entrusted treasure than it is to a title transfer.

This, I think, is the point of Jesus' odd parable about an irresponsible manager. Note that the words are now addressed to the disciples. The entrusting of goods into the hands of an incompetent manager has resulted in losses for the owner. Probably, the man had extended credit to customers far beyond their ability to repay; so when the owner observes the manager's response--seriously discounting the amount owed--he likely sees it as a move which will cut his own losses. Jesus then returns to the idea of entrusting one's goods or riches into the hands of others; but this time, he asks rhetorically whether one who cannot handle a trifling matter such as money is capable of handling real, true, eternal riches. The right way to use the former is to do so with an eye toward the ultimate reward. That is, they are to use money in a way which benefits others and makes friends, as opposed to ways that only accumulate more wealth for our pleasure.

Is our material wealth, irrespective of how great or small it may be, a mere tool or a monstrous dictator? Is it our pattern to give in order to provide for others, to open them toward us and the life that we offer on behalf of the true master, or has it become a substitute master itself? John Wesley wasn't far from the mark when he encouraged Christians to gain all they can, save all they can, and give all they can--and equally close to the mark when he lamented that most believers seemed to stop after the second step. Three times in the closing verses Jesus ties faithfulness to handling the money, even though it is a "little thing." When is the last time you thought of money or a possession as a test of faithfulness, as a tool or means by which to be received into the company of one who needs the gospel?