“1Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’" Luke 16:1-2.
We are not using our money wisely. For every dollar we earn, we owe almost $1.78 (CBC News, Canadians took on debts in 1st quarter of 2019, but total amount they owe is still growing, Posted: Jun 13, 2019 10:23 AM ET | Last Updated: June 13). And many of these debts, if we will just be honest with ourselves, we don’t even really need in the first place. Just look at your garage or your closet, it will tell you, you bought many things that you don’t really need. If you haven’t use them for 3 years, you don’t need them. If you only used it once (for the sake of trying it out), you don’t really need them. Except for a modest home and a car, many things we bought using our credit cards, we don’t really need . We don't need a big house (if there's only you and your wife). We don’t need a Bugatti or a Ferrari. You only need a car that will take you from point A to point B. Buy a car that suits your need. Sadly, we spent on things that have no eternal value. They are very temporal.
So, how then can you use your resources wisely?
First, take a moment and sift through all your stuff. Get your calculator and sum up everything you bought, in the past year or so, that you don't really need. Make an accounting according to Jesus. Contemplate on your past spending. How much did you spend on those things? Could it have been better, if the money you use there, you spend bringing someone to Jesus?
“My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.” Luke 16:3-4.
Secondly, consider all your opportunities which you could use on things with eternal value. Take a moment to consider time, money and people. How much time do we really have in this world? Life is short, isn't. Where can you really invest your money that will have more eternal profit? The bible says use your resources and opportunities for winning soul or people for the Lord. Hence, time, money and people are very important resources and opportunities. "36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36. Invest on things that support missions, etc.
"“9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." Luke 16:9.
Thirdly, commit your resources and opportunities for the kingdom of God. God's kingdom will never end, it is eternal. The people you bring to Jesus will one day thank you when you see them face to face in our eternal dwelling. Think about your future dwelling place.
Lastly, make a covenant with God you will serve just one Master - Him! A covenant is more than a contract. The former does not expire, while the latter has an end date. Make it an eternal agreement with God that your heart belongs only to Him. "13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:13.