Nine Days before Christmas!

Faithfulness, the Hallmark of God’s Kingdom


“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” (Luke 16:10)

People clearly differ from one another in their degree of education, intelligence and concern for intellectual problems and puzzles. Some are content to have a “simple Christian life,” whereas others find faith and belief in Christ anything but simple. Moreover, some people may experience seasons of their lives that are relatively free of trials or doubts about God or Christianity and yet go through times when their faith is very real to them. In some cases, these challenges may come primarily through external influences. In other cases, these challenging situations come from the issues of the heart. As a Christian, I have learned that every single follower of Christ deal with the same challenges to our faith. We have been called by God to be “… stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:1b-2).

Have you ever asked yourself what role faithfulness plays in your spiritual journey?

The text in Luke 16 is perhaps the greatest passage on faithfulness. Faithfulness in the Bible is often is term that relates to Christian stewardship. While faithfulness has to do with the truth of God’s Word (scriptural truths or revelation), the principle is also true in the area of our financial stewardship. For instance in Luke 16:1-13, we find “the parable of the unjust steward,” where Jesus provides wisdom on an area of life that most of us don’t like to discuss. He teaches on our dealings with money (vv-5-12), and indicates that one’s stewardship is a valid test of one’s relationship to God. Jesus’ main argument is that one’s attitude toward money is indicative of one’s submission to or rebellion against God’s Lordship. The narrative in the text says, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13).

Money and the Human Heart

As I have mentioned earlier money and possessions are often hard topics for me and for most of us. The theme of responsibility continues as Jesus raises the question about being faithful with something that belongs to another so that later one can receive reward for oneself. If someone is unfaithful as a steward, why should that person be entrusted with ownership? Handling wealth is a preparatory lesson for other responsibilities before God.

All three parables in this chapter of Luke illustrate God’s ability to discern our hearts when it comes to money. In a discussion with the religious leaders (Pharisees), Jesus spoke of the danger of judging our success by human standards; “He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). The Pharisees regarded wealth as the reward for righteousness.

Wealth does not automatically condemn one to hell, nor does poverty in this life guarantee eternal joy. Our eternal destiny is determined by our relationship with God, which is often reflected on our attitude toward material possessions. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a perfect example of this truth (See Luke 16:19-31).

This Christmas let us pray that the Lord teach us how to honor Him in every area of our lives, including in our stewardship with money. So spend your money wisely this Christmas and may the Lord find you faithful in all things!