What Jesus Did! 'Spiritually Shrewd' — Luke 16:8-9

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

[Concluding the story about the unscrupulous manager, Jesus said,] "The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home."
— Luke 16:8-9 NLT

Key Thought

Some worldly people are quite shrewd. Some can think of many ways to accumulate and use earthly resources - honestly and dishonestly. Jesus, however, wants his disciples to use their worldly resources in ways that are spiritually shrewd. We don't use our resources to control others and don't hoard those resources to be overprotective of our future, but to bless others. Benefiting others and using our earthly resources to be a blessing and a friend to others are our goals. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing. As we are faithful stewards of God's blessings, we please our heavenly Father and store up our treasures in heaven.

Today's Prayer

Father, make me wise in the way I use the many blessings you have lavished upon me. Make me a conduit of your blessings. Help me find ways to put your resources entrusted to me to work in building your Kingdom and blessing those you would bless. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Managing Your Assets with Spiritual Wisdom
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Over the ages, people have freely talked with each other about almost everything, except how they spend their money. Once the talk..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:8-9 NLT — And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Beaten and Jailed' (Acts 16:22-25)
"A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas [when the master incited the city since Paul cast the profit-making demon out of his slave girl], and the..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Isaiah 65:19
"The glorified weep no more, for all outward causes of grief are gone. There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven. Poverty,..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 John 2:9
"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'It Is Better that I Leave' (Jn. 16:7)
"[Jesus said,] "So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!