Daily Devotional for Tuesday, March 31

The Craftiness and Commendation

“Then said he to another, and how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore,” Luke 16:7.

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Americans collectively owe a record $1.21 trillion in credit card debt. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York this is the highest amount ever recorded since they began tracking in 1999. Credit Card companies often sell delinquent debt to collection agencies at a lower price. This allows credit card companies to recover some of their losses. Statistics show that on average that these debt collection companies only recover about twenty to thirty percent of the debt they buy.

The unjust business manager in this parable was able to get fifty percent and eighty percent from his delinquent debtors. He wanted to please his boss but he also wanted to remain in good terms with those from whom he was collecting. In a brilliant business move without committing any wrong doing, he was able to please his Lord and please those who were in debt to his Lord. The stewards master formally praised his wisdom. The steward looked for a win-win solution and acted on it.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Not everything in life has to be a win-or-lose proposition. Look for opportunities to help both sides win in a way that is pleasing to God as you navigate life today.

Jonathon D. Smith