Wasting My Possessions

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them,“You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. Luke 16: 14

The Parable of the Wise Steward, or rather the Dishonest Steward.  Or actually the Dishonest Steward who is Wise.  The point of money is not to store it up- it is not to fill bigger barns, nor to stash it somewhere for moths to chew through or rust to corrupt.  The point of money is to spend it on things that matter.  The dishonest but wise steward is commended for understanding this truth- money is of no value, whether it be printed bills or jars of gold coins. So he invested it in people, in his weird little way.  That which is eternal.  But the Pharisees loved it.  They were trapped and could not see free.  

And what matters, in the teaching of Jesus?  Are there any patterns I can discern so that I too can be wise? Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away goods do not demand them back.  Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Love your enemies, and do good, lend expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great and you will be the children of the Most High.

There is the wisdom of the world- scrabbling for that what will not last, or there is wisdom from above, from the Most High, first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  Jesus summarizes the Dishonest but Wise Steward story with this truth: No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

LORD, may I prove faithful in the small worthless things; may it reveal my heart as wise.  Wisdom from above, that is.