Wasted
Scripture Reading — Luke 16:1-9
"There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions."
Luke 16:1
As we look at this parable, let's first note the wastefulness of the shrewd manager. True, he wasted no time making things happen and turned around a bad situation. But we ought not to overlook what caused the problem. Clearly he had wasted his boss's possessions. The verdict of the boss was quick and to the point: "‘You cannot be manager any longer.' You're fired!" While the master commended the fellow for his shrewd dealings to gain friends for himself, there is no indication that he changed his mind about letting this manager go.
Wasting resources seems a way of life today. I don't think that was the plan God had in mind when he put Adam "in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). How serious are we about taking care of God's world today?
Are we careful about the ways we plant crops? Are we using the fresh-water resources in the world wisely? Are we planning carefully for the generations to come? And if we are students, packing a lunch to school, do we think God is unconcerned when we casually throw food away while thousands in our world go hungry?
What would it be like to hear God say, "You're fired!" I don't want to make that discovery. I do know that God holds us accountable for the way we manage his possessions. Let us be the best managers possible.
Lord God, our gracious Provider, we confess that we have often squandered your re­sources. Forgive us, and help us to use well all that you lend to us. For Jesus' sake, Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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