Daily Devotional for Wednesday, April 1
The Caution and the Choice
“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:11.
In the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus commented that “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (verse 8). When it comes to dealing with worldly people, their worldly mindset helps them relate. Jesus then made a practical suggestion in the next verse. “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (verse 9). At first glance, we may be taken aback by His comment, but His command is strategic for the kingdom. The resources of this world, when used correctly and wisely as tools, can open doors and create relationships we would not otherwise have.
When we were in Indonesia, the boys and I took karate classes at a local dojo. It was a wild cultural journey of all new Indonesian and Japanese terms and an introduction into a sub-culture of which we knew nothing. It also gave us and five other missionary kids an opportunity to interact with people we would not otherwise even know. Until Covid struck, we met with that group twice a week and represented a Christian way of life. Many of them did not personally know a Christian and probably had skewed views of us. They watched us and began recognizing us around town. It was such an interesting and educational time for us, and Lord willing, we changed how they see Christians.
Jesus goes on to talk about faithfulness in those moments. We show our trustworthiness in how we handle even the smallest situation. Several times lately, I have referred to Luke 16:10 with my boys. As teenagers, their responsibility is growing (although not as quickly as they would like). We gain responsibility when we prove we can do the right thing with what we have already been given.
THOUGHT
Live in such a way that you can be trusted with the true riches.
Kelli Reynolds