Plan Ahead - Use Practical Wisdom-Continued

At some point the master learns what has happened. Though what was done means a loss to him, he is impressed with the steward and commends him because "though unrighteous," he "acted with practical wisdom." Jesus adds: The son of this system of things are wiser in a practical way toward their own generation than the sons of the light are." -LUKE 16:8.

Jesus is not condoning the steward's methods, nor is he encouraging crafty business dealings. What, then, is the point? He urges the disciples: "Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places." (Luke 16:9) Yes, there is a lesson here about being farsighted and using practical wisdom. God's servants, "the sons of the light," need to use their material assets in a wise way, with the everlasting future in the mind.

Only Jehovah God and his Son  can  receive someone into the heavenly Kingdom or the Paradise on earth under that Kingdom. We should  diligently cultivate friendship with them by using what material riches we have in supporting Kingdom interests. Our everlasting future will thus be assured when gold, silver, and other material riches fail or perish.

Next time: Conclusion of Plan Ahead - Use Practical Wisdom

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