Reading the Word

Luke 16:10–13 (ESV)

10 “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. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for 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 God and money.”

Understanding and Applying the Word

It has been said, “Show me a person’s checkbook and I will tell you what is really important to that person.” I find this to be a true statement. Where a person spends his money reflects what is truly important. It is also true that a person who mishandles a small amount of money and possessions will mishandle a larger amount. A person does not magically become a better and wiser steward when given more.

Jesus’ primary point in these verses is summarized in the last verse. One cannot serve two masters. A person cannot serve God and money. Jesus’ point is not to say that money is evil in and of itself. Money has its proper place. It is a tool that we use in our world. We need it for basic survival. We can also use money for great good by helping others or using it to help spread the gospel message. However, it can become a great idol when we think of money as the source of happiness and fulfillment. When we think this way, not only are our affections misplaced, but we will spend all of our time trying to gain more of it. It will consume our thoughts and actions. When this happens, it has become our master.

We are called to worship God and God alone. We are to have no idols. So, for the believer, God must be the focus of our affections and actions. All that we do is for him, including how we use our money and possessions. We must use it for his glory and to fulfill his will. How we use our money is an opportunity to worship our Lord and to show who we truly belong to. In the end, we will give an account for how we have used the things that God has given to us. Will we prove that we are trustworthy stewards of the things of God?

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