30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 16 1-13 God's Regents 03 Prudent as regents of God
📖 Luke 16:1-13
22Mar2020 - *Prudent as regents of God* - _Luke 16:1-13_ - Bible reading: _Proverbs 6:6-8_
We have begun the study of Luke 16:1-13. This parable is usually known as the parable of the dishonest steward but we will title this study as God’s regents.
We find here that a rich man was intending to terminate his manager because accusations were brought against him. The manager began to plan and act on how he would survive after his termination. He took wrongful and unlawful acts to safeguard himself. The rich man commended the manager for his prudence.
_Luke 16:8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light._
What the Lord or the rich man in this parable, is commending is not the unjust act or the moral wrongfulness of the actions of the manager. What the Master is commending is this man’s prudence. This manager was prudent in that he thought of his future safety and took precautions. The commendation was for this thoughtfulness, foresight and his skill of planning. This is what is being commended. The actions by themselves that this man did was unlawful.
Planning, foresight, thoughtfulness, preparedness for the future are commendable qualities. The line that we need to draw is when these matters of preparing for the future, crosses over into anxiety. Anxiety is a sign that our trust has moved away from God, to the material.
_Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much._
The people of the world act more prudently than the saints, which is true. Consider the way Christian organisations are run compared to organisations run by those, who are not in a relationship with God. The planning, the efficiency, the foresight, the process and due diligence that is followed by secular organisations is often far superior to that conducted by Christian organisations. There is much to learn from the people of the world on leadership and management, at the same time, there can be no excuse for us, His disciples, for not being highly skilled, proficient and work with an excellent attitude.
The Lord is challenging the saints to see their role as prudent regents of God over His creation.
_Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, (7) Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, (8) Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest._
_Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light_ We need to be seen as role models of prudence in all that we do. _I Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;_ Proclamation of the praises of God is through our words and very much through the prudence and wisdom of our everyday life.
*Thought to ponder*
```As regents of God over His creation, we live out prudence.```