Luke 16:10-12
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage is a continuation of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples. Read Luke 16:10-12 slowly and note any questions that arise for you.
Jesus words in this passage can be a little confusing considering the story he just shared about the shrewd, dishonest manager. But again, parables aren’t meant to be dissected; they are meant to make a general point. And the point Jesus seems to be making is that the small choices we make – either good or bad – are indicators of our deepest values and predictors of the choices we will make when the stakes are higher.
Take some time to let this sink in. How are you seeking to consistently live a life that reflects the values of God’s Kingdom? Talk this over with Jesus openly and honestly.
Read Luke 16:10-12 again.
In both the parable of the dishonest manager and the words that follow, Jesus makes it clear that the gifts we have been given to manage in this life are not really ours but God’s. The things of the world - money, possessions, and other material goods - have worth only during our lifetime, while the blessings of God’s Kingdom are eternal. But everything is really owned by God.
If we can’t be trusted to manage worldly wealth in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God, then how can God entrust the true riches of the Kingdom to us?
Take some time to mediate once more on these words of Jesus:
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?”
Then get still and let Jesus guide your thoughts for a while.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do in response to these words?
Will you?
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