#1183. Luke 16:11-12. Use ‘true riches’ wisely (7/11/24)

Luke 16:11–12

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series. Today, from Luke 16:11-12, we reflect on how our use of money is a measure of our hearts and our ability to handle greater gifts and influence in The Kingdom.

Luke 16:11–12

To watch this devotional, select the link below

https://youtu.be/_sJR88dOImA

‘So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?’ (Luke 16:11-12)

Luke 16:11–12

1. Be Trustworthy in handling ‘worldly wealth’

Following on from yesterday, Jesus continues to speak of the growth in gifts and influence for those who will be faithful with the little things. He calls us to be ‘trustworthy in handling worldly wealth’. This is about our use of money. It’s called by this negative term ‘worldly wealth’ because it’s the thing that the world often put their faith in. Christians are not to put their faith in or be devoted to storing wealth. Rather, we are to handle it, even if our small amounts are small, in service to God and His purposes. So, the first question is, are you devoted to using your money to serve God and is this seen in your generosity?

2. Use ‘true riches’ for The Kingdom

Jesus then speaks of those who are faithful with ‘worldly wealth’ receiving ‘true riches’ and ‘property of your own’. Jesus is referring back to this Parable of the Shrewd manager. This manager is not trustworthy with the masters wealth and so ends up with nothing. He is like too many of us who use God’s wealth like it’s our own rather than belonging to God and we being his stewards. Jesus is promising us that those who will serve God with the wealth and opportunities that He gives will be given greater and greater gifts and influence in the Kingdom of God.

This is not a promise that we will all receive bursting bank accounts, private jets and be like Bill Graham! But this is a promise of increase is it not? Our attitude is to be faithful with the little things. Faithfully invest the money and gifts that God gives, and let Him decide on the measure of increase that He decides to give. But this is a law of the Kingdom and it is a law of life generally - anyone who is wise with the small things will experience increase. Our use of money is a measure of our hearts and our ability to handle greater gifts and influence in The Kingdom.

Let’s pray together

“Father, I see that you want me to be trustworthy in handling money. Help me not to put my trust in money, but to use it in your service. May you be pleased with my heart and so as to be trustworthy of greater things in your service. Amen.”