I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
The parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-8) tells of a rich man’s financial manager who was being fired. The manager’s response to his firing was dishonest. But one that would ensure he was provided for when he was no longer employed. What he did was wrong, yet his master commended him because he had acted shrewdly. This is an unexpected twist to end the parable. Surely Jesus is not commending dishonesty.
This verse, at the end of the parable, serves as the parable’s moral. Its lesson was not about commending dishonesty. Instead, it is about using our worldly wealth wisely. Use it to gain friends and a welcome into eternal dwellings.
A Generous Life
This reminds me of a song by Ray Boltz called “Thank You.” You may have issues with the artist and some of the theology of the song. But it does illustrate very well the idea that Jesus is expressing here. The song pictures a man who dies and goes to heaven. And he is greeted there by a long line of people who were somehow touched by his generosity.
How many people’s lives have been touched and changed by my generosity in this life? People who may, when I leave this life behind, welcome me into my eternal dwelling. And, more importantly, a welcome that my Lord will echo. Because, what I do for people here, is ultimately done for him (Matt. 25:40).
Use your worldly wealth wisely. Invest them in the kingdom of God. And your reward will be great.
