Serving God

Jesus teaches us to be Faithful Stewards

Jesus emphasizes integrity and faithfulness in what we’ve been given.

Luke 16 is packed with powerful lessons and teachings. The chapter includes:

The Parable of the Unjust Steward
The Law, the Prophets, and the Kingdom
The Rich Man and Lazarus

Encouraging Verse

Luke 16:13 highlights the heart of this chapter’s message:

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC):
*”No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely).”

New International Version (NIV):
*”No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Context

Following the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus shares another parable—the Unjust Steward. In this story, a steward faces dismissal for wasting his master’s goods. Acting shrewdly to secure his future, he surprisingly earns his master’s commendation. Through this parable, Jesus underscores the value of faithfulness in stewardship, setting the stage for today’s encouraging verse.

My Thoughts

Jesus frequently taught about money management and stewardship. In Luke 16:10-12, He highlights the importance of being faithful in three key areas:

1. Faithful Over the Little

As people of God, we are called to appreciate and steward the “little” things entrusted to us. In Matthew 25, Jesus shares the Parable of the Talents, praising the servants who faithfully managed five and two talents:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

Similarly, we are called to faithfully use whatever the Lord has given us—money, gifts, skills, education, or physical attributes. (Even Esther used her beauty for God’s glory!) Everything we have comes from God, and we are to multiply it for His Kingdom.

Yet, we often dismiss small beginnings, contrary to Zechariah 4:10:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

This ingratitude often stems from two mindsets:

Comparison: Measuring ourselves against others who seem to have “more.”
Pride: Believing we deserve more because of our status, title, or achievements.

Both attitudes contradict Christ’s teachings. Luke 16:10 reminds us:
“He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much.”

2. Faithful with What Belongs to Others

Jesus calls us to be careful stewards of what is not ours. For example:

If we mistreat a rented apartment, how can we expect God to bless us with our own home?
If we are lazy or careless employees, how can we expect God to entrust us with our own business?

Ultimately, everything we have belongs to God. Romans 11:36 affirms this:
“For from him and through him and for him are all things.”

Luke 16:12 reinforces this principle:
“And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]?”

3. Faithful with Worldly Wealth

Jesus teaches that if we are not faithful with earthly wealth, how can we be entrusted with “true riches”?

What’s the Difference?

Worldly Wealth: Refers to material possessions, which can become corruptible when mishandled.
True Riches: Represents spiritual treasures such as wisdom, knowledge of God, eternal life, and the fruits of the Spirit.

Luke 16:11 challenges us:
*”Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon ([i]deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches?”

We cannot serve both God and mammon; we must choose.

Practical Application

God’s Kingdom often operates opposite to worldly principles. While the world teaches us to hoard wealth, God calls us to give, promising it will be given back to us. Money is a powerful tool but can become a dangerous idol. Here are some ways to assess your priorities:

If obeying a Bible instruction means parting with money you planned for something else, are you willing?
Does your pursuit of a side hustle interfere with church, Bible study, or quiet time with God?
When facing financial challenges, do you trust God’s promises or seek desperate solutions?
If God asks you to do something that doesn’t make financial sense, do you obey?

Encouragement

God understands our needs. Solomon acknowledged this in Ecclesiastes 10:19:
“A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.”

Yet, we are reassured of God’s provision in Psalm 37:25:
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

Your Turn 😊

How does Luke 16:13 resonate with you?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?

Please share your insights—I’d love to hear from you!
Until tomorrow—Peace & Love,
Coach D