“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.” Luke 16:10 NLT

Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man who hires a manager to look after his business. The owner learns that the manager is mismanaging his business and money. The owner calls the manager to account by telling the manager to get his things in order. The owner fires the manager for his bad management. The manager quickly goes to those who owe the owner money and renegotiates their obligations to a lesser amount. He is seeking to find favor with those he has been doing business with on behalf of the owner. This is not right. It is unethical. It is dishonest.

Jesus emphasizes the significance of faithfulness and trustworthiness, which begin with the smallest of opportunities. He also points out that dishonesty also begins in the littlest ways. We must understand that what we do now is the foundation of how we will handle greater opportunities in our lives.

Listen to what Jesus says next: “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?” Luke 16:11-12 NLT.

The riches of heaven are available to those who are trustworthy on this side of heaven. Respecting and caring for other people’s things make it possible to be trusted with some of our own. Honesty builds trust. Trust repeated over and over again is faithfulness. Faithfulness creates opportunity. Dishonesty destroys trust. Broken trust takes advantage of others. This leads to a life of deception, debt, and bondage.

Jesus speaks to the heart of this: “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.” Luke 16:13 NLT

Following God and managing our money and resources for him is a good thing. Chasing money and wealth as our highest value is a bad thing. Our money must be submitted to God.

By the way, look who was listening to Jesus. They didn’t like it: “The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him.” Luke 16:14 NLT.

There is quite a bit of discouragement among younger people about money and finances these days. It seems that so much is out of reach. So many are increasingly dependent on others to make life work. Jesus has a clear message for us. Be faithful and honest with what you have. Manage it well. Opportunities to take care of more will come along. Know what you make and what you spend. Plan to save. Decide to give. Even though it may not seem like much now, watch what God does with your life over time.

Do good by your employer. If you own your own business, treat your customers with integrity. Keep your focus on God. He will lead, He will take care of you. God loves you. Don’t fall in love with your money. It will not take care of you. Wealth will not love and look after you. Right now, be honest and faithful in all the opportunities God gives you.

Ed McDowell, C.E.O.
Warm Beach Camp Ministries