Meditation
from Luke Chapter 16
Jesus
shares a parable on an unfaithful and unjust steward in Luke 16:1-8. Through this
parable and from the context of the chapter we can learn the qualities of a
faithful steward.
First, God
is the Master and we are called to be Stewards to whom He has entrusted many
things.
1.
In the Least – “He who is
faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in
what is least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10 NKJV)
We need to
be faithful even in the least matters. There is always a possibility of missing
or compromising faithfulness in little and trivial matters; but God is
concerned about those little things. Because faithfulness is not a practice but
lifestyle. Only when it becomes a lifestyle we will not overlook even little
things to be faithful.
2.
In the unrighteous mammon – “Therefore
if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to
your trust the true riches?” (16:11)
Faithfulness
in money, wealth and things of the world that are entrusted to us. This is
possible only when we live as a true Christian in all the areas of life and not
just be spiritual in matters of spirituality; which is hypocrisy. This is a
true test of one’s Christian life – how he reflects Christ likeness in the so
called “non-sacred” areas.
3.
In what is another man’s –
“…if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you
what is your own?” (16:12)
We tend be
careless when it comes to other’s things that are entrusted to us, to use. They
are not merely used, but often, misused. But we are called to be faithful in
what belongs to others. Examples of borrowed vehicles, rented space &
places, etc.
4.
In loving & serving God –
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the
other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot
serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13).
We cannot
be faithful in our love & service to God if we are divided between Him and
money / worldly things.
Do not love
the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those
who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the
desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the
world. (1 John 2:15,16 NRSV)
5.
In Preaching & Witnessing –
“The law
and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached,
and everyone is pressing into it.” (Luke 16:16)
“Then he
said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s
house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they
also come to this place of torment.’” (Luke 16:27,28)
We are
called to be faithful in preaching the kingdom of God and testifying God’s word
and the gospel. Like the rich man many will be crying out from the hades to God,
for their families and friends who have not heard God’s word and the gospel. We
who have the Word are called to be the Witnesses! Not just witnesses, but
faithful witnesses who will testify to everyone around them.
Let us be
faithful even in the least things, in money & world’s things, in what belongs
to others, in our love & service to God and in witnessing the word and
kingdom of God!
