The parable of the shrewd manager

The parable describes a dishonest manager at work. After his dishonesty was discovered, he continued to be dishonest—and shrewd. He cut deals with his master’s debtors to try to pave the way for new employment once his present job came to an end.

In short, the manager mismanaged someone else’s money for the benefit of his own earthly life. In verse 9 Jesus tells us to do just the opposite: to use our earthly wealth unselfishly for the eternal benefit of other people.

Certainly, our financial support of gospel outreach and mission work is a way of using our earthly wealth for the eternal benefit of other people.

One of our hymns captures that thought well. “May our zeal to help the heathen Be increased from day to day, As we plead in true compassion And for their conversion pray. For the many faithful workers, For the gospel they proclaim, Let us all be cheerful givers To the glory of your name.” (Christian Worship 577:3)