What Jesus Did! 'What this World Honors' — Luke 16:14-15

Saturday, September 23, 2023

The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all [of Jesus' teaching] and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God."
— Luke 16:14-15 NLT

Key Thought

Who switched the price tags? Our world values things very differently than God does. The Pharisees loved their money, and they tried to look righteous in public. They were honored for their apparent religious dedication by many with a worldly perspective. After all, they were outwardly religious and blessed. God, however, knew that much of their wealth came from a covetous and greedy heart - their wealth was an abomination instead of being a blessing! They scoffed at Jesus' words - not because they were wrong, but because those words were right and their hearts were not. How about us? What do we dearly love? How are our hearts?

Today's Prayer

Father, I pray for a wise mind, an open heart, and a generous spirit as I use the financial blessings you have placed in my care. Guard me against greed, materialism, and covetousness. Help me see the way you want me to use my blessings for your Kingdom's work. Dear Father, please let nothing have a hold on my life other than my love for you and your Son, your Kingdom, and your righteousness. In Jesus' name, I pray. 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 16:14-15 NLT — "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, September 23, 2023

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Richard Baxter:
"The longer you delay, the more your sin gets strength and rooting. If you cannot bend a twig, how will you be able to bend it when it is a tree?"
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Whole and Holy' (Ro. 15:15-16)
"So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Opposition Can't Stop the Message or the Joy!'
"When the Gentiles heard [that the Good News of Jesus would come to them], they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 12:11
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment."

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!