Our scripture this morning is Luke 16:10-15.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.”
Jesus tells us that little things matter because they indicate our level of care. He warns “if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (v. 10). He is pointing out the vast difference between the earthly blessings we are called to use wisely here and the gift of salvation, which can be ours through faith in Him.
Again, Jesus isn’t saying being wealthy is a sin, but how we obtain and use our wealth can be. If we come to love money, it affects our relationship with God and each other. He tells us plainly “You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money” (v. 13).
Our economic condition doesn’t make us good or bad in the sight of God, He looks at how we live together and care for each other. If getting money or keeping what we have is more important than honoring God and those around us, we have become like the Pharisees in this passage. We must use the gifts we have been given for the good of all in order to be ready for the day of His return.
Gracious God, in Your wisdom You have gifted us each differently. Help us to use our talents and resources well that all may see Your love and know the joy of eternal life with You. Amen.