Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. - Luke 16:10
Today’s verse comes from the Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Jesus relates the story of a man who isn’t doing his job. He has been a slacker in managing his employer’s assets and is about to get the pink slip. The boss calls him into his office and say, “What’s up? Why aren’t you doing your job?” The slacker not willing to beg or do honest menial work comes up with a scheme. He will continue in his job but collect what people owe, giving them a discount. If you owe 100 gallons of oil? Make it fifty. Tell you what, you owe 100 bushels of wheat, for today only make it 80 bushels. This can’t go on forever, right? The boss (former) calls him up again; this time, he applauds him for creativity. Huh? That makes no sense!
Well, yes, it does. See, in offering that discount, the payment is received quickly, but more importantly, the manager made up the difference himself -- taking no commission. He had initially been dishonest in managing his master’s belongings, now redeemed because he paid what was owed to his master in full.
The question today is what will we do with what God gives us? It doesn’t matter how much or how little we are given, but what will we do with it. Will we be faithful in using these gifts? Are we willing to forgo our commission, making personal sacrifices, in showing our gratitude to God? Or will we simply take for granted his gifts?
Father God, thank you for the gifts you give so generously. There is no way we can ever repay all of your kindness, but please help us to be faithful in using what you’ve provided. Help us to use these resources for your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
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