Faithful in the Least, Faithful in Much
The Sapphire Review Vol. 1 | No. 23 • October 25, 2024
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
MODELS OF STEWARDSHIP
This verse comes from a parable in Luke 16:1-13 about a steward that was called unjust.1 He was given a responsibility of managing certain goods for his master, but it became known that he had wasted that which he was supposed to steward with wisdom.2 Jesus ends the parable by introducing a contrast with wealth, true riches, and God.
11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?
13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
In this parable, faithfulness in "the least” is aligned with faithfulness in “unrighteous mammon” and that which is “another man’s.” While faithfulness in much is aligned with “true riches” and that which is “your own.” As we evaluate ourselves, it is important to understand where we fall in the midst of these matters, since verse 133 shows us that it will have a direct impact on our service (or lack thereof) to God.
It is required of stewards that they be faithful.4 If they are a faithful steward in the matters of least importance, their faithfulness will gain them opportunities to be stewards in matters of much greater importance. If they are an unfaithful steward, as the man in this parable, even that which they have will be taken from them.5
THE LOVE OF MONEY
Those who love money, or even simply the things of this world, will be primarily interested in how they can benefit themselves from their money and possessions.6 What pleasures and entertainments can they enjoy? What comforts can they indulge in? How much can they obtain beyond that which they need? How can they spend upon a list of wants that is never truly satisfied? Lacking contentment with what is needful, they will be bringing in often and rarely letting go.
TRUE RICHES
If being faithful in unrighteous mammon and the resources of others will lead to true riches being committed unto us, it would be helpful to consider what those riches may be. Given that the parable ends with stating one cannot serve God and mammon, it is reasonable to conclude that the true riches will be those things which make our service unto God more effective. Here are a few things from scripture that are indeed of greater value than money. These things contribute to us being useful vessels in God’s service:7
Christ and being found in him,8 as well as the righteousness of God, through the faith of Christ,9 being manifested within us,10 helping us to walk as He walked,11 and strengthening us by His spirit,12 is a great treasure that we hold within our earthen vessels.13
Grace, that we may overcome sin and have all that we need to accomplish the work that God sets before us.14 For truly the little (of the world), with true riches, that a righteous man hath is better than the monetary riches of many wicked.15 Even Moses, esteemed the reproach of Christ to be of greater riches than the treasures of Egypt and the pleasures of sin.16
Understanding Truth and the Mysteries of God, found within the pages of scripture, are amongst the riches that God has set before the lovers of truth to search out.17 To those that love and fear God,18 eyes to see and ears to hear will be given that they may understand what others cannot.19
Godly Character that comes from the true riches of inner adornment is of far greater value in the eyes of the Most High than earthly treasures and possessions.20 The perfection of this character is seen in Jesus Christ, our example, in whose image we are being molded.21
Wisdom that comes from above22 is of far greater value than silver, gold, and rubies,23 and is a source of true lasting riches.24
Fruitful Words come from the true riches of the treasures within the heart of a good man.25 These words edify,26 comfort,27 and bring life to the hearers.28
THE ANCHOR OF WORLDLY GOODS
Is our focus on the here and now or on the age to come? In Matthew 6:33 we have a promise that God will provide for all of our needs when we seek first His kingdom and to have His righteousness lived out in our lives. When we do our part, we have no need to fear for our daily provisions.
Money, having no spiritual value, when not used wisely and stewarded according to godly principles and for the service of the gospel work, reveals a heart that has a limited interest in true (spiritual) riches. The development of godly character, overcoming sin, departing from the things of the world, and having eyes that are opened to greater truths, will not be attainable by those whose hearts are still set upon the things of least importance. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”29
Like a man stretching for some object that is just out of his reach, while refusing to let go of the weight which is holding him back, the person who does not steward wisely the items of least importance (money and worldly possessions) will find themselves unable to grab hold of the true riches that Christ sets before them. Fears, doubts, pride, ease, comfort, and the carnal satisfaction that comes from worldly pleasures and entertainments keep their hand firmly grasped upon those things which hinder their spiritual growth.30
Being faithful with money and the goods of another man, by God’s standards, is indicative of a character that will also be faithful with true riches. However, being unfaithful with money shows a character that would also drive one to being unfaithful with true riches and holding them in low regard. To such, the storehouses of heaven will remain mostly closed until their hearts are fully surrendered to Him pertaining to the storehouses of the earth.
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
The steward in this parable had certain goods of his master placed under his care. He was responsible for and expected to manage these things wisely. Everything he needed to do so was available to him. However, he wasted them through carelessness, selfishness, and by simply not giving due consideration to the responsibility required of his position.
When we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, we become stewards in God’s kingdom.
Money & Possessions: How are we using the money that God has entrusted to us? Would the things that we indulge in be pleasing to our Master if we were called to give an account? Does fear of the unknown prevent us from stepping out in faith and trusting the God that owns “the cattle upon a thousand hills.”31
Time: How are we using our time? What occupies the slots of time we are given when all the necessities of life have been seen to? Does our worldly labor unnecessarily consume time that would be better spent preparing ourselves for the age to come and in laboring for souls that are perishing? Do we call such labor necessary when after a certain point, its only purpose is to support a lifestyle that could be adjusted to allow more time for the work and glory of God?
Relationships & Opportunities: How are we managing the relationships around us? Do the people that God has placed in our lives know the truths that God has made available to us? Are they being prayed for? Are they walking in sin or error while we remain silent?
We will all give an account of our stewardship one day.32 The steward in this parable, upon hearing of his need to give an account, immediately went to work. Using his master’s resources, he helped those that were indebted to his master, in hopes that they would receive him when he lost his position as the steward.33 Though he was unjust in his actions, his master nonetheless commended him for acting wisely.34
What should our response be regarding the account that we will all one day give regarding that which has been placed under our care of stewardship? As children of the light,35 are we acting wisely? The world is filled with people having debts from sin that they cannot pay.36 They are on their way to eternal destruction and Christ is their only hope. Are we using the resources entrusted to us of money, time, and opportunities to try and save souls from the path of everlasting ruin? Are we striving for the goal that some may one day greet us in heaven?37
CLOSING
Desiring true riches is good. However, if we find that we are continually defeated by sin, lacking understanding of spiritual matters that others seem to have, and finding that true Christlike character and Christian maturity are often out of reach, we should question what we are clinging to with our other hand. Are we being unjust in our stewardship of the things of least importance which God has entrusted to us? God places these things in our lives to see how we will respond. Those who steward wisely their worldly resources, as well as the worldly resources of others, will be given much more in true riches. Those who unwisely steward the worldly things of least importance will not receive of the true riches, regardless of how much they may desire and pray for them.38
PRAYER
May God help us to be wise and faithful stewards of the money, time, and opportunities that He places in our lives. May we use these things and all the true riches that He entrusts into our care for His glory and purposes, and for the salvation of souls that are lost.
God Bless,
Charles
