Thursday, November 29, 2018

Devotion - Thursday, November 29

There is a weird story in Luke 19:11-27.  It is a variation of the parable told in Matthew 25.  A nobleman gives money to his servants and goes away.  When he returns, he asks for an accounting.

Those who made a profit with the money are given more.  The one who simply protected and preserved the money is condemned.

I call this a "weird" story because it elevates profit making in a way seldom seen in the Gospel story.  This is one of those sections of scripture which challenge my preconceptions and assumptions.  One of the lessons with which I am challenged has to do with God's interest in how we handle money.  In this story, it matters a lot.

Our program last evening was on money management.  It wasn't intended to be a theological presentation or a bible study; it fits into the category of programs aimed at "life skills."  But as Mr. Barry spoke, we came to realize he wasn't simply talking about money, he was encouraging us to see how we craft a life and how that life reflects what is most important to us.

Students are fond of saying, "I have no money." but that simply isn't true.  Your flow of funds may not fit perfectly with the concept you have of those who are out of school and employed.  But you do have resources and you do decide how to use those.  Read Luke 19.  And you are free to challenge the details of that particular story.  But begin to develop an awareness that God is interested in more than  your piety - God is seeking to be involved in every aspect of your life.  And that includes how you handle your money.

No comments:

Post a Comment