"Mammon Of Unrighteousness"

Luke 16:9  

"And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends 

of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, 

when ye fail, they may receive you 

into everlasting habitations." 

   This steward was accused of wasting his lord's goods. The master called him and required an account of his stewardship. The accusations brought against the steward proved to be true. He faced the possibility of having his stewardship taken away from him and then having no employment. He was unwilling to accept hardship and toil as his way of life, and he was ashamed to beg. 

   Acting in a skillful way, he called those indebted to his master and inquired about their indebtedness. After talking with each debtor the steward suggested that their bills be decreased by considerable amount. When the master learned of the stewards action, he acknowledged the wisdom, admitting that the steward had acted cleverly.

    Jesus used these words to illustrate the wisdom with which men of the world conduct themselves and provide for their futures, "And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light," (Luke 16:8). We see this more so today than ever before. 

   Jesus taught His disciples to make friends of  the "mammon of unrighteousness" so that they may be received by those able to provide materially for them. Jesus does not commend dishonest methods. He suggested that the men of the world acted more wisely in providing for sustaining in the future than those of spiritual sensitivity.

   My Friends, With this parable, Jesus is saying that the Christian could be prudent and wise in the usage of his possession for the benefit of others. This does not mean that an individual is admitted to heaven because he has given generously. Heaven belongs to a man because of his relationship with God, and it is his relationship which prompts the Christian to be a good steward of his possessions.

Verse 13 summarizes Jesus' teaching. The inability of men to be obedient to two diverse masters is clearly stated. Man cannot be double-minded. Jesus bluntly concluded, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." But you can serve God by using possessions in a spiritual fashion. 

Amen!

Reading: Luke 16:1-13

Ref: HG SB

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry