Impact Investing

Nº 222

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 1, 2022

We should never think that once we have given some money and time to the Lord that the rest is ours to do with as we please. All that we have belongs to God, so He should be taken into consideration in everything we do. - Theodore Epp

The parable of the dishonest steward appears very perplexing (Luke 16:1-9). A corrupt servant is about to be fired so he deceitfully misappropriates his master’s funds to benefit himself. But Jesus seems to affirm this egregious behavior.

“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.” (Luke 16:8)

Was Jesus condoning embezzlement or authorizing fraud? Never! Jesus used the story for illustration purposes, not to condone dishonesty.

Jesus told the story to underscore two significant points. First, He reminds us that God owns everything. The money did not belong to the servant, but he was fully authorized to manage the funds. Jesus’ point is that our money is not ours. God entrusts each of us with resources and gives us the freedom to use them wisely or foolishly.

Second, Jesus wants us to be intentional with God’s money. He wants us to use the funds entrusted to us strategically. The dishonest servant applied the funds deliberately, to influence relationships, albeit immorally. We are also called to use our funds purposefully but to influence relationships for God’s purposes, not ours.

Dan Bolin President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.