True Riches • Luke 16:1-15 • Sunday, September 21, 2025

Money, Means, and Eternal Riches: A Reflection on True Priorities

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions and worldly success. We often find ourselves obsessing over the latest smartphone, a newer car, or a bigger paycheck. But have you ever stopped to consider what these things truly represent in the grand scheme of life?

Let's take a moment to reflect on three common items: a phone, a car, and money. At first glance, they might seem like necessities or status symbols. However, when we dig deeper, we realize that each of these is merely a means to an end, not the end itself.

A phone is a means of communication, allowing us to connect with others through calls, texts, and emails. A car is a means of transportation, taking us from one place to another. Money is a means of commerce, enabling us to exchange goods and services. None of these items, in themselves, bring true fulfillment or lasting happiness.

This realization brings us to a profound parable that teaches us about priorities and shrewdness. Imagine a rich man who discovers his manager has been wasting his possessions. Upon being fired, the manager quickly devises a plan. He goes to his master's debtors and reduces their debts, hoping to curry favor with them for his future benefit.

Surprisingly, the master commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. This parable isn't endorsing dishonesty, but rather highlighting the manager's quick thinking and ability to plan for his future. The lesson here is that we, as believers, should be equally shrewd – but in a righteous way – when it comes to eternal matters.

"For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light," the parable tells us. This observation acknowledges that while dishonest people might gain temporary advantages through their unethical behavior, believers are called to a higher standard. Our shrewdness should be focused on eternal priorities, not worldly gain.

So, how can we apply this wisdom to our lives? The answer lies in understanding the true nature of wealth and possessions. We're encouraged to "make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth." This doesn't mean using money dishonestly, but rather using our worldly resources in a way that has eternal significance.

Consider this: If we can't be faithful with worldly wealth, which is temporary and ultimately belongs to God, how can we be trusted with true riches? These true riches are the eternal blessings that cannot be stolen, wasted, or corrupted – salvation, forgiveness, and the promise of heaven.

It's crucial to remember that everything we have is on loan from God. We are merely stewards of His resources. If we prove unfaithful in managing what belongs to another (God), how can we expect to receive what is truly our own (eternal life)?

This brings us to a fundamental truth: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." We must choose our priority – will it be the pursuit of worldly wealth or the pursuit of God's kingdom?

The good news is that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This is His will, plainly stated. And how did He accomplish this salvation? Not through gold or silver, but through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people." This profound truth reminds us that our redemption was bought at an immeasurable price – the holy and precious blood of Christ, His innocent suffering and death.

In light of this incredible gift, how should we view and use our worldly resources? We certainly need money to provide for our families, put roofs over our heads, and food on our tables. But beyond these necessities, our resources should be used to glorify God and carry out His mission.

We are called to use our "unrighteous wealth" – our worldly resources – to make eternal impacts. This means using our money, time, and talents to love people, care for their needs, and most importantly, help them hear the life-changing message of the gospel.

Remember, there will come a day when all worldly wealth will fail. Whether it's at Christ's return or when we're called home, our earthly possessions will become worthless in an instant. But the investments we make in God's kingdom – the lives we touch, the souls we impact – these will have eternal value.

As we navigate our daily lives, let's challenge ourselves to shift our perspective. Instead of seeing our possessions as ends in themselves, let's view them as tools to accomplish God's purposes. Let's be shrewd managers of the resources God has entrusted to us, always keeping our eyes fixed on the true riches that await us in eternity.

In a world that constantly pushes us to accumulate more, to climb higher on the corporate ladder, and to measure our worth by our bank accounts, we have the opportunity to live counter-culturally. We can choose to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, the spiritual over the material.

Today, take a moment to reflect on your priorities. Are you serving God or money? Are you using your resources as means to eternal ends, or have they become idols in themselves? Let's commit to being faithful stewards, using our worldly wealth to make eternal impacts, always remembering that our true treasure is not found in earthly possessions, but in the matchless gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

In Christ's Love,

Pastor Paul Pett

(Content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)