“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9 NIV)
The parable of the shrewd manager is tough to wrap our minds around. How is it Jesus is holding up a dishonest man as a Kingdom example?
Challenging scripture sends us into critical thinking mode: first, read the passage through several times. Then, pray and ask for the Spirit’s enlightenment. Next, note the surrounding passages: look for the big picture. Let curiosity lead to more questions. Lastly, consult commentaries for additional insight.
David Guzik points out how when the manager knew his sins had been found out, he made plans for his next phase of life. Shrewdly. The manager’s sense of conviction changed his behavior. He spent the last resources of his expiring position securing favor for his imminent future.
Jesus tells His disciples, “the people of the world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the people of the light.” The manager knew his situation was changing so he spent what he had remaining preparing for what was coming.
Similarly, you and I have limited resources that we are responsible for. And like the manager, we tend to waste them on ourselves. We’ve been found out and our end is coming. We can spend what we have left as though eternity is truly on the horizon or we can fritter it away without regard for the hereafter.
Shrewd managers always have a plan. As believers, we are tasked to invest ourselves in eternity – in the life yet to come – far more than this one we live in now.
I have an uncle, bless his heart, who is endlessly texting me with financial advice. He’s in his seventies and likely very wealthy because he’s been saving for a rainy day since his twenties. In the last fifty years I don’t believe he’s ever felt a raindrop big enough to open his wallet. I love the guy and I know every shred of financial wisdom he types out is love thinly disguised as fiscal direction. I know his wisdom is hard-won. He doesn’t seem to understand though, Rob and I are not making investments in this world. We are trying to send our treasure on ahead. We are working to gain friends for eternity; through missions and local church giving. We believe the best place we can spend our resources is still God’s Kingdom.
Jesus’ parable reminds us that shrewd managers will always be thinking about what comes next. Shrewd managers will spend every last hour here on earth currying relational favor for the life to come.
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV)
Lord, help us be shrewd with our remaining time and resources here on earth. We realize that the days are short and our treasure is limited. May we wield what we have for Kingdom’s sake. Lead us according to Your perfect will. Amen.