Living for Eternity

Living for Eternity
Author: Michelle Trimmer, Communication Specialist
The Parables of Jesus - Part 9
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When I was a college student, I spent a summer working as a counselor to underprivileged kids at a camp outside of Boston, Massachusetts. My co-counselor and I were responsible for our cabin of 8-year-old girls, many of whom were experiencing activities like swimming in a lake, roasting marshmallows around the campfire, and taking walks in the woods for the very first time. The camp recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and continues to provide hundreds of inner-city kids the opportunity to hear the gospel message and experience the beauty of God’s creation each summer.

This camp wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for a couple who devoted their lives to providing for the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and vulnerable. William and Catherine Booth’s ministry to the impoverished in London grew into the Salvation Army. This organization is now present in 133 countries, and it serves millions of individuals each year through summer camps (such as the one I worked at), food pantries, homeless shelters, and numerous other ministries. The faithfulness of a few has led to the blessing and salvation of many.

In this week’s message, Pastor Tim shared a talk on the parable of the dishonest manager. Jesus told His disciples a story about a rich man whose manager used the man’s wealth to live a lavish lifestyle.

– Luke 16:1-2

Once the manager learned that he would be fired, he hurried to his master’s debtors and reduced their debts in an effort to place himself in good standing with others before he lost his job. He was accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle and likely wanted to gain favor in the hope he could benefit from those friendships in the future. While his intentions were selfish and his actions were dishonest, the manager is described as shrewd in dealing with his affairs. Jesus alludes to the fact that some unbelievers work harder to prepare for their temporary futures than believers work to prepare for our eternal futures.

It’s easy to become distracted by material things and lose sight of eternity. We must ask ourselves if we’re using our worldly wealth and resources to make an eternal impact or wasting our opportunity to make a difference. An ideal manager should be trustworthy and faithful to the one he serves. Everything we have is a gift from God, and we are stewards, or managers, of the resources and talents we’ve been entrusted with.

We all have something to contribute—even if we feel it’s a small gift. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” If we prove to be faithful in the small things God has given us, He will often bless us with more. Are there resources that you can share with others to demonstrate the love of Christ? Consider sharing a meal, donating clothing or household items, or even providing a place to stay for someone in need. Can you use any of your skills or talents to bless others? Never underestimate what you have to give. Jesus can use anything we offer to do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we can imagine, both now and in eternity!