WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?

I can still hear actor Keifer Sutherland’s voice in my head.

A few years ago, his TV character asked a potential enemy, “Who do you work for?” Given his race against the clock to dismantle bombs, thwart potential kidnappings, and various other crises, the question was reasonable.

Ironically, its relevance is seen today in the many adverse situations happening in our world.

Jesus told this parable: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.  So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.” (Luke 16:1-2, NKJV)

This shrewd man, as Jesus later calls him, didn’t balk. Didn’t argue. Didn’t even try to deny the accusation. He knew his master had him dead to rights. So, the steward began an internal assessment of his skillset and future prospects. No one would hire him as a steward – he was untrustworthy. He was too proud to beg and too weak to dig.

So, the man called all of his master’s debtors, sat them down, and had them pay off their accounts “quickly.” This steward not only knew who owed what, he knew how much each debtor could afford to pay right then. 

Determination. Maybe the one resource this clever man hadn’t cheated on or left in short supply. He had the resolve, Jesus says, to do what he could so that when his employment ended, he’d still be welcomed into friends’ homes.

It’s interesting that this evildoer seemingly had no concern for his employer and/or friends until he was accused. We don’t hear of his remorse or see his repentant heart. What we do see are his actions. Were they for appearances’ sake?

“…be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num. 23:32b)

Jesus goes on to tell us that we can’t serve two masters. We’ll be loyal and loving to one and despise the other. And isn’t that what we see in the world today? Greed, deceit, corruption. We owe it to ourselves to come out on top. Take what we want, what we deserve.

Are these characteristics to emulate, or do they come from the father of lies?

Like the shrewd steward, one day we’ll all be called to give an account.

It’s time to decide.

Who do you work for?

by eMarie