Faithfulness

 Luke 16:10 ESV

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 


In the context, Jesus seems to be talking about a dishonest man. In the story of the shrewd manager, this man seems to be fiddling the books to line his own pocket. Yet Jesus commends him!

The best interpretation I've heard of the parable of the shrewd manager is that he was on commission, that he forfeited to 'buy' favour with customers which he could 'cash in' later on down the line. His job was on the line. He wasn't strong enough to become a labourer, or humble enough to beg.

It seems that Jesus is echoing sentiments common in the world. 'Be true to yourself' seems to be the message. If we're not faithful in looking after ourselves, we're not being good stewards of the wisdom God has given us.

We are not number one. We're not just to 'look out for number one'. JOY is about putting Jesus first, then Others, and finally You. 

'O Lord our God, help us to recognise that you know what is best for us. May we be faithful in loving you, others and ourselves. In the name of Jesus, amen'.

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