Today's Passage: Luke 16

Luke 16 contains 2 parables that have a similar theme.  Both discuss in some way using our lives on earth to store up for ourselves "treasures in heaven."  The first parable (the parable of the shrewd manager) speaks about it in a more abstract manner, but the second (the rich man and Lazarus) actually talks about two men, their lives on earth, their deaths and the horrible contrast in their ultimate destiny.  As I read them, the two parables when read together seem to enhance and amplify the meaning of each other.

While preparing to write this blog, I read something that seemed a great commentary that is perhaps based in part on the parables of Luke 16.  It is far better than anything I could come up with, so I include it below.  It is by Paul as written in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

Most Christians don't believe that our actions or what we do with our money will save us.  However, it does seem that we should use the blessings of our life in a way that serves Christ's desires.  Paraphrasing Luke 16:10-11, Jesus says that in order to be trustworthy with true (heavenly) riches, one must be trustworthy with worldly wealth, be it great or small.  It seems simple enough that we should act in our jobs, our recreation, our possessions, simply everything in our lives in way as He desires.  But as simple as it may seem, in practice it is near impossible to consistently achieve.  Jesus knew this would be a difficult task for us.  In Matthew 19:24, Jesus says "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”  The things of this world will no longer matter when we die.  For me personally, I know I need to make better use of my time here for things that will matter "in the coming age."