Luke 16:3-13 - "Make Friends" for Eternity

9 AndI say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, thatwhen you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who isfaithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust inwhat is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not beenfaithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the trueriches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who willgive you what is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters; for either hewill hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one anddespise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." In Luke 16:1-3, Jesus tellsthe parable of the unjust steward, a man who, facing the loss of his job,cleverly secures his future by reducing the debts of his master’s debtors.Jesus uses this story to teach about stewardship, faithfulness, and ourrelationship with wealth. This parable challenges us to consider how we use theresources God has given us—our time, talents, and money.  The steward, thoughdishonest, was commended for his shrewdness, not his ethics. Jesus points outthat worldly people often act with more urgency and ingenuity in securing theirfuture than God’s people do in pursuing eternal priorities. As “sons of light,”we’re called to live with eternity in view, using temporary resources to makean eternal impact. In this parable Jesus offers three key lessons.  First, use wealthwisely for eternal purposes. Money, or “unrighteous mammon,” is not evil initself, but it’s temporary and deceptive. We’re urged to use it to “makefriends” for eternity. We can do this by supporting ministries, giving tomissions, helping the needy, and spreading the Gospel. Imagine meeting someonein heaven who says, “I’m here because you gave to that mission.” That’s thekind of investment Jesus calls us to make.  Second, be faithful inlittle to receive much. Faithfulness in small things, like how we handle money,reflects our trustworthiness for greater spiritual responsibilities. If we’recareless with earthly wealth, how can God entrust us with “true riches” likespiritual influence or heavenly rewards? Every dollar we spend is a chance toshow our priorities—whether we’re serving God or chasing fleeting pleasures.  Third, we must choose ourmaster: God or money. Verse 13 is clear: we cannot serve both God and mammon.Money is a terrible master, demanding our loyalty and distracting us from God’spurposes. But when God is our Master, money becomes our servant, a tool toadvance His kingdom. This calls for single-minded devotion, where everydecision aligns with God’s will. Today, I challenge youto evaluate your stewardship by considering these three steps: • Assess your spending.Look at your bank account or budget. Where is your money going? Does it reflecteternal priorities, like giving to God’s work or helping others? Commit toredirecting one expense this week toward a kingdom purpose, maybe a donation toa ministry or a gift to someone in need.  • Practice faithfulnessin small things. Choose one area of stewardship, your time, a talent, or asmall financial decision, and be intentional about honoring God with it. Forexample, set aside 10 minutes daily for prayer or use a skill to serve yourchurch.  • Declare God as yourMaster. Write down or pray this affirmation: “God, You are my Master, notmoney. I will use what You’ve given me to serve You.” Let this guide yourdecisions, especially when tempted to prioritize wealth over faith. PrayerLord, thank You forentrusting us with Your resources. Forgive us for times we’ve served moneyinstead of You. Help us to be shrewd for Your kingdom, faithful in the little,and wholly devoted to You. Empower us to live for eternity this week. In Jesus’name, Amen.