Puzzling Parable (Luke 16:1-13 ESV)

 Because the parable about the dishonest manager has always puzzled me I decided now's the time to check out what I could learn about it on the internet. The AI Overview was so succinct and now I've got some better understanding regarding it.

The most puzzling was why the master would commend the manager's selfish actions.  I really couldn't get it!  But we can think something like the following:

The overview essentially says that the manager was 'buying' friends to help secure his future.   That part was straightforward but how does this relate to our lives?  Generally we believe "buying" friends is a negative thing and they will not be true friends.

For the Christian, we can use our resources, possessions, money for "buying friends" thereby storing up treasure in heaven.  That is, bringing others to Christ which often incurs our time, energy and money and even possibly our possessions.  In this way we will be better stewards and managing the level of our wealth God entrusts to us.

If we mishandle our money, etc it does not bring honor to the Lord our Master and therefore we can also be termed "dishonest stewards".  In fact, it could well be showing that we are serving Master Mammon rather than God our Master and Heavenly Father (see Luke 16:13).

And as part of that AI Overview I share this,

"Followers of Jesus Christ should use temporary, earthly wealth for eternal gains rather than selfishly perserving worldly riches ... believers should use their resources to bless others, thus creating "friends" in heaven who will welcome them into eternity."

I like to keep this following verse in mind in all we do that would glorify God, even if it is only in sweeping a floor for someone.

"One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much" (Luke 16:10).

During the Chinese New Year season we often hear others wishing others good health and wealth.  In many ways it is not wrong but is the focus on mammon?  Are we being ruled by mammon?  Not long ago I heard one preacher in England explain mammon means money, wealth and prosperity.

The gospel is NOT about coming to Christ and then you'll have greater prosperity.  Spiritually, yes.  Physically, actual mammon is not a guarantee offered through salvation, in fact, more troubles and suffering may come to us.  We could suffer for the sake of the gospel and living Christian principles as Charlie Kirk, who was recently assassinated, did.

There are plenty of Christians worldwide who suffer for their faith in Jesus.  This is why it is important to be the master of our mammon and not visa versa.  Let our mammon serve us for building up treasure in Heaven.

Let's be honest about it, this is not too puzzling, is it?

                                              ~  ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 16:1-13 ESV.

Sing, In Christ Alone, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.