One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 16:10 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, as I survey what You have given me I confess that I am sometimes discontent, desiring more. Whether it is shoes, cars, homes, vacations, wealth or even free time, I look at it and find myself wishing that I had more of it at my disposal to do what I please with it. I even find myself sometimes daydreaming about what it would be like if I, say, won the lottery and became overnight the proud owner of a quad-zillion dollars! In those moments my heart finds itself saying, “Lord, You know that I’d immediately break off a piece and give it to You!” And, funny, I foolishly believe I would do just that. Break off just a piece and give it to You. And yet, in that instance, You would have given it all to me. And I would only break You off a piece?
I sometimes struggle with this parable, Lord, because the dishonest steward is commended for what I see as his dishonesty. Yet, this morning I hear You telling me that it’s not about the master commending the steward. You are asking me how will I handle what You have given me? Can I be truly trusted? Am I using my earthly resources to “win” friends and influence people for Heaven (Luke 16:9)? Or am I advancing my creature comforts here on Earth? Am I sowing significant seeds for the Kingdom or dropping a few along the wayside?
To win favor for himself the dishonest steward gave away twenty months’ wages in debt forgiveness. My mind immediately said that he did not own it; it’s easy to give away someone else’s money. As I pondered this, I realized that those whose debts were forgiven would have believed that the owner of the resources approved the steward’s actions, winning him favor in their eyes. Then my soul convicted me, reminding me that I don’t own anything that I have. I am the steward of Your resources. And You have given them to me so that I would use them to advance Your Kingdom and win You favor in the eyes of the recipients. And instead of doing that, I look to keep and hoard them for myself.
Lord Jesus, show me where to sow today, tomorrow, and everyday. Expose the selfishness of my heart and my lack of faith regarding Your future provision. Help me to be more trustworthy with the little that You have given me, not so that I can be counted as worthy for much, but so that I can advance Your Kingdom purposes all around me faithfully, being used by You to gain favor in the eyes of those in the world who do not know You. I pray this in Your Name and for Your glory. Amen.