One or the Other, but Not Both (Lk 16:1-8)

 

The parables are timeless stories that continue to help us in our troubled times even today.  The parable about the dishonest steward is an example.  This clever steward saves his own skin through manipulation and exploitation of his master’s wealth.  Rather than express outrage over being swindled, however, the master praises the steward’s unscrupulous behavior.  More surprising is the lesson that Jesus claims the parable offers. 

Rather than warn against imitating the behavior of the dishonest steward, as we might expect, Jesus encourages the children of the light to be equally clever.  He claims that doing so proves they are trustworthy with true wealth!  All of which leads to his final point that we cannot serve both God and mammon.  One or the other, but not both (Lk 16:13).

In those days and in our own, mammon includes more than money.  Mammon includes many things of this world—material wealth of all kinds, also status, control, and a myriad of things that give us a sense of security.  If we take our eyes off Jesus, however, we risk turning any of those things into a god.  For that reason, Jesus says to the children of the light, be clever with the things of this world.  Be on guard not only with money, but all those things that do not last.  Jesus wants us to focus on things with lasting value.  For, where our treasure is, there also is our heart, our destiny (Lk 12:34).    

The question is, how are we to use the things of this world in a spiritually wise manner?  Which master do we serve?  This is a question each of us must answer.  Jesus shows us through his own life and mission that our calling is to serve the God of love, mercy, and justice by caring for those who are in need (Lk 6:36; Is 58:7-10). 

There is a passage in the first letter of Timothy that makes this point in a more persuasive manner.  Timothy says in his letter: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”  For Timothy, this is how we prepare ourselves to take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Tim 6:17-19).  Timothy encourages us to grow rich with good deeds, if for no other reason, than as a show of gratitude for all that God has done for each of us. 

Timothy’s advice reminds us that Jesus called the people of his day—as much as he calls us—to follow the wisdom of God, not the wisdom of the world (1 Cor 2:4-6).  Doing so is a matter of living in a vibrant, dynamic, trusting relationship with God.  The stories that Jesus tells always point to the God of Love as the only master to serve.  And, because Jesus loves us, he allows each of us to choose for ourselves, hoping that we will choose wisely.