03
It’s Not the Art of the Deal
John TiltonLuke 16:8-9
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this worldare more shrewdin dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.I tell you, use worldly wealthto gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
As a recap, we know that prior to these scriptures, the dishonest manager was told that he would be released as manager. Could it be due to dishonesty? So, then it seems that he does something that is still dishonest by allowing the debtors to underpay and shortchange the master. The master then praises him for his shrewdness. Go figure? What I do garner from this scripture is that in the world, shrewdness is seen as a good attribute since riches and gain usually are the goals. People of the world don’t seem to be bothered if they are out-schemed by someone. They just tend to learn how they can do better in scheming. As President Trump was mused, “it is the art of the deal.” Who can get a better deal? In this case, it may be like the credit card companies of today that accept less if bills can be paid off from debtors that are struggling.
But, for me, these scriptures speak to me in a different way. I was once in the world and witnessed the “art of the deal.” I even endeavored to do one-ups-man-ship with others on getting the best deal. Being shrewd in business when working in the world can sometimes draw one in to dishonesty in trying to get the best deal out of others, and thereby compromise one’s principles. I am currently blessed to be in ministry where it’s not about the deal, but rather stewarding God’s resources and treating people fairly in terms of finances, with grace and honor. These scriptures are a reminder of where I came from, and to be blessed of where I am. More so, I am reminded that I am in God’s will and world, knowing where I am going!
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of where I came from, where I am, and where I’m going. I am blessed to be pulled from the secular world of business and into serving you, stewarding your resources for the Kingdom to further the Kingdom. I pray that I may be wise and a good steward.
