Smart Money
Devotions for Growing Christians
Smart Money
Luke 16:8 - The master commended the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly; for the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.
Read Luke 16:1-13.
“Smart money” is money that is used and invested in wise ways.
The world says "smart money" results in greater personal wealth. The Bible opposes this materialistic value system. But the Bible is not opposed to the concept of "smart money." In fact, the wise or smart use of money is one measure of spiritual maturity.
Many Christians are good stewards of their time and their talent - but not of their treasure. The Lord Jesus gave the account of the shrewd manager, or unrighteous steward, in Luke 16. He told it to teach His disciples the importance of the wise use of money. How do we measure up to the standards set by our Lord in His application of this unusual story?
The "Parable of the Unjust Steward" has been disconcerting and confusing to many Christians because of its apparent approval of dishonesty. So let's try to clear up some of the misunderstandings of verses 1-8 that have surrounded this story.
First of all, it’s important to notice that it was the master in the story - not the Lord Jesus - who praised the unrighteous manager (v8). (The King James Version uses the word "lord", which can be confusing, but notice that the "l" is not capitalized.) Furthermore, the unrighteous manager was not praised for his shady accounting procedures or squandering his boss's money. He was commended only for his foresight in planning for his future.
Second, it’s important to realize that this account is not necessarily a parable, but is only a story that Jesus related to His disciples to illustrate His teaching on money. If we view the account as a parable, we might see the rich master as representing God or Jesus Christ. Obviously that would raise questions about God's righteous standards!
Even when we realize that the unrighteous manager was only commended for his foresight, the unbiblical idea that "the ends justify the means" would be implied if the rich man represents God. Note that in the rest of our Lord's dialogue in Luke 16, rich men do not appear in a favorable light. This context may indicate that the rich man does not represent God (v14 & v19-31). Specifically, verse 8 seems to indicate that Jesus is not drawing a parallel between the rich man and God, because he concludes that the people of this world (both master and manager) are very shrewd in their dealings and maneuverings with one another - especially when it comes to money.
So the Lord used a true story of a rich man and his steward to illustrate how the people of this world are very sharp and calculating in financial matters. A preacher today might use a contemporary story about shrewd dealings between a used car lot manager and his customers to illustrate how the people of this world deal with money. And preachers today would teach that believers should be more shrewd (in a good sense) in the use of money, just as the Lord said that the sons of light should be wise in their investments.
Historically speaking, all kinds of shrewd dealings may have been going on between the master, the manager and even the debtors. The master may have been involved in over-charging. He may have been charging interest, which was illegal (Deuteronomy 23:19-20). The squandering manager was probably in charge of running the master's entire estate. He could have been carrying out the master's unscrupulous policies, or over-charging the debtors to line his own pockets.
The steward may have manipulated the amount in the books to reduce the debts of the sharecropper-type tenants on the estate to a fair price, free of interest. By doing this, the steward insured himself future friends, if he should ever need their help. The debtors, of course, were more than willing to be involved in the "justified" cover-up! But by doing so, they put themselves in the vulnerable position of being blackmailed in the future by the unscrupulous manager. The rich master, probably to save his reputation, reluctantly commended the unrighteous manager for his clever forethought - in spite of his wheeling and dealing.
It is not possible to know the exact scenario, but the overall application that the Lord makes about money in verses 9-13 can’t be missed. In these verses Jesus teaches us the a truly smart and wise view of money. If we learn and practice these basic financial principles, we’ll be well on the road to spiritual maturity.
Exchange money for converts
We are told to exchange our money for converts (v9). We cannot buy salvation for ourselves or anyone else, but we can use money (the "mammon of unrighteousness") to help pave the way for people to meet Christ.
Money can buy Bibles and radio or internet time to reach the lost in unreachable places. Money can send food and medicine to people who need to see Christ's love in action. Money can support local churches and ministries that faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. "You can't take it with you{“ - but you can exchange your money for souls who will greet you when you reach Heaven! "When it [money] fails, they [converts] will receive you into the eternal dwellings [Heaven]." When you’re in Heaven, how would you like to experience the eternal joy of having people from all over the world thank you for helping them come to Christ? If that will bring you great joy, then stop hoarding your money - and exchange it for souls!
Evaluate the way we use our money
We are to evaluate our use of money (v10-12). We should realize that God uses the way we handle money as His standard for testing our faithfulness! If we view our money as security or power for ourselves, we have an unbiblical view of money. God has chosen to prove our ability to handle spiritual responsibilities by the way we evaluate and use our money.
Why would God use such a mundane thing as money for such an important test? Because God knows that if we are not able to use money with spiritual discernment, or if we are not trustworthy in our use of money, we won’t be discerning or upright in other and larger matters (v10)!
If we neglect to give back to the Lord a portion of the money He has given us, or if we give His money away carelessly or foolishly, without discerning where it will best promote God's kingdom, then God cannot entrust us with responsibility in areas that require spiritual discernment. If we fail to pay back our college loans or other debts, God cannot, and will not, entrust much spiritual responsibility to us (v11). If we’re using the money God has entrusted to us for self-indulgence, then we should not expect Him to give us the privileges and blessings of spiritual responsibility now - or rewards later in Heaven (v12).
Are you wondering why you seem to be on the shelf when it comes to responsibility in your local church or fellowship? Do you wonder why you don't sense the Lord's blessing in your life? Maybe it’s time to evaluate. How do I measure up in God’s chosen way to test my degree of faithfulness: the use of my money.
Eliminate money from our priority list
We must eliminate our money from competition (v13). Becoming rich must not be an objective in our lives! In fact, let's not even think about trying to become rich! (See 1 Timothy 6:9.)
This is more than just a matter of setting priorities. Making money must not even be on our priority list. Our objective must always be to use our money for God. Think souls, not stocks!
Obviously we need money to function in this world, and certainly we can be thankful when we have a good job, or if we have a "rich uncle"! However, money must be viewed only as God's means of meeting our material needs (not all our wants), and providing us with resources that can be transposed into spiritual products. This is a shocking concept to many growing Christians - but it’s true! Remember this truth, if God decides to test you with a windfall!
Growing Christians must never consider accumulating money as an end in itself. If money becomes a secondary goal, or even a low priority goal, that goal will invariably work its way up to a place of prominence and authority, with we will become its servants. Serving two masters will not work!
Let's not disagree with our Lord Jesus. He indicated that if money is not eliminated from competition entirely, we will fight a losing battle. Eventually our hearts will be drawn towards the money! If you’re trying to serve God, but you’re also trying (even just a little bit!) to accumulate money, you can be sure that it won't be long before your love for the Lord and His kingdom will begin to diminish. If you doubt that, read verse 13 again! Jesus was emphatic when He said, "You cannot serve God and money."
As sons of light, let’s wise up, and let our money serve God! That's true riches - and that's smart money!
- Dave Reid