Years ago, when I was studying our text for this weekend, Luke 16:1-13, I wrote this simple definition of “stewardship” on the margin of my study notes:

Good stewardship according to Jesus is using what doesn’t last very long to bring about something that lasts longer.

This is a definition that any human being can understand and apply. I consider it a self-evident truth. A Christian, a follower of some other religion, and even the irreligious should be able to see the wisdom of using something very temporary to accomplish something that is lasting. A good example of this is the best-selling management book by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. The authors show convincingly (in my estimation) how wise short-term pain is worthwhile when it brings about longer-term gain. Collins and Porras do not draw upon specific biblical truths to make their point (though much of what they say is rooted in biblical principles whether they know it or not). Their book provides evidence for the wisdom of what we will think about this weekend.

What will be specifically “Christian” about our times in God’s Word as a church family? Jesus provides the answer to that too in a parable he tells, a story that has baffled some Bible students over the centuries. Essentially, he says, “Any observant person should be able to see how temporary material things can serve much more lasting purposes. Even dishonest people can see that! That being so, how much more should one who understands use the resources of this passing world not only for things in this world that last longer, but also to bring about eternal blessing.” I find this parable by Jesus one of the most practical of all those we will be studying this year.

And, may we not forget that Jesus tells the story as he is headed toward the cross. Soon, he will be giving up his physical body to open the door to eternal life for all who trust in him. Jesus, out of his love for us, considered this to be good stewardship. This truly is amazing love. How can it be that our God would die for us?

Jim Eliot, the missionary who gave his life to carry the Gospel of Jesus to a people group in South America, had learned this principle as a young man. One entry from his journal summarizes the lesson beautifully:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. — Jim Eliot