Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15

Are you using what God has given you for His purposes: to point others toward Him?

Jesus uses a parable to point out how worldly people manage their money and possessions hoping to guarantee their future in this world. It is a selfish approach to living.

“People of the Light” are encouraged to use the wisdom they have in a godly way. Rather than investing for a future in this world, they are to be good managers of what they have for a future in His world. This means thinking not only of oneself, but of the needs of others.

The point is: we live in a material society surrounded by THINGS and STUFF. Worldly things have value only on earth. Our possessions don’t really belong to us. Everything belongs to God. We can be generous with each other because God has been generous to us. We should choose to use God’s property for good; to produce eternal rewards. Rather than thinking on what we can do with our possessions for ourselves, we should ask, “How can we reach people for Christ?”

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (v 13)

Read today's text, Luke 16:1-15, on Biblegateway.

Called to Love One Another - John 13:31-38

"I'll call you, let's go out to lunch." Have you said this to a friend or told someone you would pray for them, but didn't carry through? Usually the offers are sincere and intentions are good, but intentions don't make things happen in our lives. If we are truthful, we don't always commit and focus on following through.

Jesus speaks of the love of His followers for one another as proof of their faith in Him. This will tell the world the truth about Him and His salvation when He is no longer with them. It will show that Christians are different from the world.

The words are barely spoken when Peter proudly asks, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus knows that Peter is sincere and his intentions good, but He also knows Peter will not do it. Jesus tells him the truth of his future betrayal, "…before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"

Peter is reprimanded for failing to love Christ as Christ has loved Him. The world will not be drawn to Christ through a close companion that is a liar and a betrayer. That is how ordinary men live their lives in the world.

We, as Christ's disciples, are called to be different than the world. He asks us to live a life of love for one another as He has shown us; love that will draw the world to Him.

The question on my mind right now is, "How am I doing at living this distinctive life of love?"

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Read today's text, John 13:31-38, on Biblegateway. Use the return arrow to come back to this page.