What Kind of Manager Are You?

In Luke 16:1-8, we read the parable of the unrighteous steward/manager. The parable is basically about a bad manager getting fired who realizes he is fixing to be without a job and he had better get ready for that reality. He is not going to work or beg so he ends up cutting his master’s debtors a deal so they will look after him in the future. First off, let me say I do not believe Jesus is approving of stealing or lying, both of which I think this steward could be charged with (Matthew 19:18). So what is being taught here? He is praised for acting shrewdly. If lying and stealing are not the shrewd behavior he is praised for, what is? He prepared for his future. He knew a future was coming that he was unprepared for, and he got prepared. The first lesson for us is: are we prepared for the future (Jesus’ return)? If not, we had better get that way.

How did this steward prepare for the future? With money/possessions that did not belong to him. That is what Jesus wants us to do, according to verses 9-13. I do not mean stealing money from a bank, business, or person. I am talking about using what has been given to you and is not your own. You are just a steward of the blessings that God has given you. None of your stuff is really yours. If you do not believe that, die and see how much you carry with you. While we are alive, we are called to be good stewards of the blessings of God in preparation for eternity. That means more than just making sure our 401k is fully funded. We are to use our physical blessings on others. How can we use the physical blessings of God to influence others for His glory? Jesus asks some tough questions in these verses. If I cannot be faithful in little/unrighteous/another’s wealth, how will I be faithful in much/true/own wealth? Who is my master?