USING MONEY

Gold Hill United Methodist Church

September 21, 2025

Luke 16:1-13

At first reading, today's story of the Dishonest Manager left me somewhat confused. Why is Jesus praising this guy for cheating his boss. Is this really what Christians are supposed to do? I don't think so. But I must admit it took a while, and quite a bit of study, for me to figure this one out.

Jesus had just finished telling the story of the prodigal to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about his keeping company with sinners and tax collectors. Now he speaks to his disciples, his followers and friends. He tells his followers of a manager who had been “Squandering” his master's property. The master called for a final accounting and fired the steward. The steward, realizing his reputation is shot and his chance at getting another job as manager was now impossible, took action. He reduced the accounts receivable from several debtor's, knowing he could call in these favors later. Jesus then praises the manager—not for stealing-

but for the shrewd way in which he prepared for his future. By reducing the debts, he made the debtors beholding to him and created a situation where he would be assured of a welcome in their homes. He was praised for the wise use of money.

Paul writes to Timothy that the love of money is the root of evil. It is not the money that is evil, money simply is. It is how relate to or use money that is good or evil.

John Wesley preached of money that Christians should:

Gain all you can;

save all you can;

and give all you can. This he says is the proper relationship of the Christian to money. There are, of course, conditions and exceptions to be considered.

First, in gaining all we can we must be careful not to so in any way that will harm ourselves or our neighbor.

Jobs that give us no time for rest, worship, or with our families are improper; as are jobs that constantly expose us, or others to dust, fumes or other toxins.

Secondly we should avoid gain from means that are,by nature sinful, or that violate the laws of God, state, or nation. Such as:

the Pornography and sex industries

dealing in illegal drugs

human trafficking and slavery

Thirdly we should avoid gain that comes at the cost of harm to others or to God's creation. This could include tobacco, alcohol, any unsafe consumer product. In short we are to gain all we can honestly and by using our common sense.

Wesley's second rule of m,money is to save all we can.

He cautions us against unnecessary or vain expenditures. Spend only for what you need. This implies knowing the difference between wants and needs. Too often we can make want into a need.

For example, living where we do, a car is, for most of us a legitimate need, a Ferrari, on the other hand, is usually a want. Spending to gratify our pride or to exalt ourselves is nothing more than keeping up with the Joneses, and is equally unsatisfying. Provide food, clothing and shelter and care for bodily health for yourself and your household. To paraphrase Wesley in another place: Income $1,000- Expenditures $999; result, happiness. Income $1,000-expenditures$1,005: result, unhappiness. Spend what you must and save the rest.

Wesley's third rule of money: Give all you can. After gaining all you can, providing for the needs of yourself

and yo

your household, “do good to those who o are of the household of faith, and then to all people.

Note that Wesley doesn't prescribe any particular percentage. The Old Testament prescribed 10%, a tithe: the new Testament makes no such requirement. “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The bottom line is that we do not own any of our so-called possessions. Like the manager in the parable, we are only stewards of that with which God has entrusted us. God is the ultimate decider of how we are to use it.

You will notice that I have used the term “gain” and not “earn.” Many of us have income from investments. It is important that we heed these same rules when investing our savings. We should invest in companies that provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and produce goods that are safe, legal, and moral. I have instructed my broker to avoid investing in alcohol, tobacco, and weapons. I am aware that I am quite possibly passing up lucrative returns, but I sleep better and night knowing I'm not blowing up Palestinian children.

It has been said that to know what a person values look and their calendar, their investment portfolio,and their check book. What do yours say? AMEN.