The Use of Money. Luke 16:1-9 Connected to the parable of those who are lost and found is the story of the steward or manager. As a steward of a wealthy owner's household or estate, he was responsible for being honest, upright, and shrewd in making decisions that benefited his employer. In some way, he failed in his duties. Whether due to carelessness or self-interest, he did not fulfill his obligations. He may have cheated the master by using his authority to discount the goods, or he may have forfeited the commission that was his payment for services rendered.
Regardless of the reason, he removed that from the customers' debt so he could find another job similar to his previous one. The basis of the accusation isn’t clearly stated. The point of the story that the Lord Jesus told his disciples relates to the fact that spiritual wisdom should matter far more to them than worldly shrewdness in business matters.
It is crucial that we acknowledge the significance of all our actions as Christians. Carelessness leading to incompetence is troubling enough. Being accused of dishonesty or distortion regarding what we have been entrusted with is incredibly serious, as the consequences affect the lives and destinies of others. Our attitude toward material possessions, including the money we are permitted to use, reflects our Christian character. People resist and reject those who exploit their Christian connections to accumulate wealth for themselves. We must ensure that we utilize the wealth God entrusts to us to advance the interests of the kingdom of God.
Earthly riches can significantly hinder our spiritual life if we haven’t taken the time to understand how to use wealth to fulfill the purpose for which God granted it to us. Money can serve noble purposes, and we need to be guided by scriptural principles to determine what those purposes are. We require an eternal perspective and a plan for how the money entrusted to us can hold heavenly value. Once that is established and acted upon, it will yield eternal dividends for the glory of God.
Money belongs to God, not to us. Therefore, it must be used wisely in ways that will bring eternal profit to our Lord. Money can be used for good or bad purposes, and it is up to us to decide how we will use it. Money has power, so we must thoughtfully consider what we have and how we will use it in ways that align with biblical teachings about what is appropriate.
Our material goods can be used in ways that nurture faith, proclaim the Gospel, uplift the Lord’s people, assist those in need, and show our obedience, which will bless individuals and honor God. We have opportunities to utilize what we possess so that the “children of light” can effectively reflect the Light of the world, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The ways we use what God has given us to invest in His work may be the means by which some lost souls hear the Gospel and receive eternal life. Believers worldwide use money to provide for life's necessities and dedicate their time to reaching out to others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our investment in wise spiritual matters will yield eternal benefits for many in the Lord’s name. We are responsible for understanding the Lord’s will and using what we have been given to fulfill His purpose.