Money is a big issue for lots of people. It certainly was for the Pharisees. So, Jesus tells a story about an unethical manager who squandered the wealth of his master. The master dismisses the manager but gives him time to get all the accounts together before he leaves. The manager uses the time to generously forgive some of the debts of those who owed the master money in the hopes of procuring favor from them. When the master finds out, he commends the manager’s actions because of his generosity, even with money that was not his, helped others.

Jesus uses the story to remind the Pharisees (and us) that the resources we manage are not ours. They belong to God. And God is pleased when we use his resources to serve others. In fact, when we use God’s resources to help those in need and advance the kingdom, we benefit as well. Not only do we experience spiritual blessings but, when we are faithful with small things, we will be entrusted with even more. That doesn’t necessarily mean our bank account will grow, but it does mean that our kingdom impact will grow. Jesus is reminding us that money can easily take the place of God in our life. That’s what happened with the Pharisees. And Jesus’ message to us is, “When it comes to managing money, don’t act like a Pharisee.”

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