WEALTH AND THE KINGDOM

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves grappling with the complex relationship between our material possessions and our spiritual lives. How do we reconcile our earthly wealth with our heavenly aspirations? This question is not new – it's one that has challenged believers for millennia.

The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16 offers us a unique perspective on this age-old dilemma. At first glance, the story might seem perplexing. A manager, about to lose his job for squandering his master's possessions, quickly reduces the debts owed to his master to gain favor with the debtors. Surprisingly, instead of anger, the master praises the manager for his shrewdness.

What are we to make of this? The key lies in understanding that Jesus is not endorsing dishonesty, but rather highlighting the manager's quick thinking and decisive action in using the resources at his disposal to secure his future. This parable challenges us to be equally shrewd – not in dishonesty, but in how we use our worldly resources for eternal purposes.

Consider this: we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. As the apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:7, "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." Our time on earth is but a blink in the grand scheme of eternity. So, how can we use what we have been given to make an impact that lasts beyond our earthly lives?

The answer lies in adopting an eternal perspective. We are called to be stewards, not owners. Everything we have – our possessions, our talents, our time – is on loan from God. We are managers of His resources, entrusted with the task of using them wisely and for His glory.

This shift in perspective changes everything. No longer do we see our wealth as something to hoard or spend frivolously. Instead, we begin to view it as a tool for expanding God's kingdom. We start asking ourselves: How can I use my resources to break down barriers that keep people from experiencing God's love? How can I invest in ministries that share the life-giving message of Jesus Christ?

Consider the example of the proclaimer, a device used to share the gospel in verbal cultures. This simple yet ingenious tool has allowed countless people to hear God's Word in their own language, leading many to faith in Christ. Such innovations demonstrate how we can use our earthly resources and ingenuity for eternal purposes.

But being a good steward isn't just about grand gestures or large donations. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much," He tells us in Luke 16:10. This principle applies not just to the amount we're entrusted with, but also to the complexity of our responsibilities.

Think of it like a swim test. Before a lifeguard allows someone into the deep end of the pool, they must first demonstrate their ability to swim in the shallow end. Similarly, God often tests our faithfulness with small, simple tasks before entrusting us with greater responsibilities.

This principle extends to how we handle others' possessions as well. If we can't be trusted with what belongs to someone else, how can we be trusted with our own? This is a humbling reminder that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are simply stewards of His resources.

The challenge, then, is to maintain a single-minded devotion to God in our approach to wealth and possessions. Jesus is unequivocal on this point: "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). We must decide – will our money serve God, or will we expect God to serve our financial ambitions?

This decision is not always easy. The temptation to forget God in times of plenty is as old as humanity itself. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses warns the Israelites about this very danger. After listing the abundance they will find in the Promised Land, he cautions them: "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God... Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14).

How do we guard against this forgetfulness? By seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:33. When we prioritize God's purposes over our own desires, we align our hearts with His will. Our giving then becomes not a reluctant obligation or a means to manipulate God's favor, but a joyful expression of our love and trust in Him.

Ultimately, the way we handle our wealth and possessions is a reflection of our spiritual health. It reveals whether we truly trust God as our source and provider. It demonstrates whether we view this life as our final destination or as a journey toward eternity.

As we navigate the complexities of managing earthly resources with an eternal perspective, let's challenge ourselves to be shrewd for the kingdom. Let's use our creativity, our resources, and our influence to break down barriers and share God's love. Let's be faithful in the small things, knowing that God is watching and ready to entrust us with more.

Remember, we are not owners, but stewards. Everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for a purpose greater than our own comfort or status. As we learn to hold our possessions with open hands, we'll discover the true richness of a life lived in service to God's kingdom.

So, let's ask ourselves: How can I use what God has given me today to make an eternal impact? The answer to that question could change not only our lives but the lives of countless others for eternity.