Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-40; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Luke 16:1-9

On the surface this parable is very confusing; dishonesty seems to rule. But that is not the case at all. Note how this dishonest manager demonstrates initiative, and when put to the right purposes, initiative is a good thing.

Initiative has a role in our life in the church. Think of how often we speak of wanting our memberships to grow, of reaching further into our community, and of making sure that the unchurched hear the gospel.

How far should we go to accomplish that? How many efforts should we make to reach the same people? Consider that the “children of this age” carry their initiatives pretty far when they want to reach us. For example, if you let your subscription to a magazine expire, you will receive many requests from the publisher urging you to renew your subscription. These appeals will start well before your final issue. The publishing industries have built in to their business model the plan to take the initiative to contact their subscribers several times before giving up on them.

We who walk in God’s light ought to have a determined plan and the initiative to share the gospel with the children of this age.

Prayer: Lord, please plant godly initiative in my heart to be used for your glory. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Thomas W. Corbell, Pastor of  Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in Statesville, NC.

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