Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much – Luke 16:8-12 – Growing As Disciples
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:8-12 (NIV)
Test and Trust
Have you noticed the race of life that those of the world are running? I’m not sure what you mean. Sure you do, you see it every day almost the minute you step out your front door. What’s that? There is an all out pursuit of money and all the comforts and pleasures it can buy. Oh that, yes I am well aware of that. You once were consumed by that pursuit. Yes I was. Even now, once in a while, you fall back into that, don’t you? Yes, I do and even more than once and a while. Yes, I’m glad that you are willing to admit that.
How often have you seen someone who has the same aggressive and passionate pursuit of their life with me as those that are pursuing the world? Could I rephrase that question? Yes, go right ahead. Alright, how often have I seen someone completely one hundred percent devoted to following you, is that what you are asking me? Yes, I am. I’m not sure if I have ever seen anything like that before. But, I will tell you one thing. What’s that? I want to love, follow, and pursue you with my whole heart and mind. I want to use all that you have given me to serve you. I don’t want anything to go to waste, be misused or left unused.
That’s a very good desire that you have. See to it that you live that desire out. With your help and power, I will. I can’t do it on my own that’s for sure. Yes, that’s true. I want you to know something. What’s that? It’s very important that you are faithful to properly use all that I have given to you. Why is that? Why do you think? I think that if I am faithful with a little you will entrust me with more. Yes, I will. Do you know that your whole life is both a test and a trust? What does that mean? The test and trust is “how well did you use all that I entrusted you with”? I have blessed and gifted you so that you can serve me. I have placed resources in your hands to be used for my kingdom and glory. How well is your life and resources being used for my plan and purposes? That’s a good question. Yes, it is. One day, after your life is over, you will be asked that question. Will you help me to live my life in ways that will prepare me to answer that question well? Yes, I will. Will you help me to be faithful to you even in the smallest details? Yes, I will. I am so thankful that you will help me to answer that question. Why is that? I know that I will never be able to answer that question well without your help. No, you could not. But, I will help you to know how to answer it as you love me and pursue the life I have for you.
Lord, I know that I have not been completely faithful to use all that you have given me to serve you. Forgive me. Help me now to know how I can use all that you have given me to serve you and bear abundant fruit for your glory. Amen
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