He who is faithful

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much, and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrightous also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Luke 16:10-13

Introduction

When you reflect on the life you live today, do you consider it your own? If God called you to give up everything in your possession today, would you do it? Where is your limit? This is a question very few of us think about, but perhaps we should do so more. I have been highlighting these moments in Jesus’ ministry lately that point to the emptiness of life this side of death which cannot be compared to the fullness in life hereafter. Even very great wealth in this world might be considered a small thing when compared to the riches that await the faithful believer in eternity. When you grasp this reality and truly embrace it, you will begin to orient your life toward the eternal treasures stored up in heaven (Luke 12:33) and not those which will inevitably fail you in this life.

Unrighteous wealth

The abundance we have in this world is called “unrighteous wealth” in this passage, not because it was obtained through unrighteousness, but because it is deceitful and uncertain. Wealth in this life promises security it cannot deliver and offers hope that is nothing but dust and ashes. This unrighteous wealth is contrasted against “true riches.” These true riches are the ones which are absent from the present time in all but shadow. They can be glimpsed in places like the love of the Church which rallies around each other, serves one another, and offers comfort to the suffering. But these truly are mere foretastes of an incredible abundance that awaits you in heaven.

The blessings you are given in this world are meant for your good – not so that you may find comfort in them, but so that you may bless others and contribute to the mission of the Kingdom of God. Consider the contrast between this life and eternity: in eternity, the books are set and the judgment has been made. But in this life, you have the path set before you. Choose the straight and narrow one which is less trodden. Recognize the futility of storing up treasures here – unrighteous wealth which can do nothing for your eternal soul.

Serve one master

Since one treasure is known to fail, and the other is promised to be forever, it would be pure foolishness to chase after the one in lieu of the other. But how often to we find ourselves focused in on those very things we know can never last? Invest instead into the treasures that can never fail. Read the Word, and meditate on its truths. Share the gospel and do the one thing you cannot do in eternity: speak the truth of Jesus Christ to the unbeliever, confident the Spirit of God will change the hearts of His elect. Exchange the temporary for the eternal and live forevermore in the arms of the Savior in the midst of riches beyond your wildest imaginations. As your faith proves true and you are faithful with what God has entrusted you in this life, you will see the fruit of it in eternity.

May the Lord bless you and conform you into the image of His Son.