My Daily Pause

In one sentence, Jesus gave us a benchmark in how we would handle increased wealth.

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much – Luke 16:10

Whatever a man does with what he has, is an indicator of what he would do with whatever amount more of it there may be.

Based on your current condition, how would you handle increased wealth?

Many pretend that if they were rich they would give large sums to charity, make larger contributions to the church, save more and generally be a good steward – but they do none of these things with more modest possessions. These folks, in general are lying to themselves.

Jesus goes on to say that those who can’t make things work with a more modest net worth will not be trusted to handle larger responsibilities. (Luke 16:11-12)

Instead of justifying ourselves by saying “If I had more ___________ I would do more _________”, we should be asking, “How can I best use what God has given me in his service?”

Daily Bible reading for September 23

Psalm 53
2 Samuel 13
Ezekiel 13
Luke 16:1-17:10

Jesus used The Parable of the Rich Fool as a lesson in stewardship over the things we have on loan in this earthly life. (Luke 12:13-21) Money is a tool for living and serving and is no more evil than a hay rake when used properly.

Put your heart into things you can do with money, not into the money.

As one famous money matter expert put it, we’re supposed to save some, spend some, and give some away. We can see these actions in most of the godly people written about in the Bible.

So where did the rich fool go wrong?

• He hoarded his wealth instead of using it for service to God
• He assumed he had a long time left
• He decided he was above working now that “he had it made”

Jesus said more than once that our heart follows what we treasure, (Luke 12:34, Matthew 6:21) so putting our heart into something like money and riches – something that is not everlasting – is a foolish exercise.

Daily Bible reading for September 18

Psalm 48
2 Samuel 8
Ezekiel 8
Luke 12:13-48

David, for all of the trouble he caused, had a moment of brilliance. Even though he was offered some property to offer a sacrifice for free, he insisted on paying the owner full price for it.

“… I will not take for the Lord what is yours…” (1 Chronicles 21:24)

Jesus spent a lot of time talking about wealth, financial worry, and stewardship. some earn more than others during their lifetime, but the lessons for daily living are the same for all. We should be using what we have for the good of his kingdom. (Luke 12:13-48)

When the Lord returns, he is going to hear our account for what we were entrusted with, how we used it to serve him, and how productive we were with it. The penalty will be severe for those who are not ready! (Luke 12:47)

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a wise wife is a gift from the Lord. – Proverbs 19:14 NCV

The wife I was blessed with could have only come from God.