MAKE TO YOURSELVES FRIENDS OF THE MAMMON OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

Luke 16 is a chapter most often remembered for the story of the rich man and Lazarus. However, in this chapter is one of the more unusual commands of the Saviour, given personally by Him to His disciples. It follows a parable concerning stewardship; the story of the unjust steward, called by his master to give an account of his stewardship. How the man wisely handled his lord’s debtors was commended by the lord; the steward used the present circumstance to prepare for their future together.

One day our Lord will call our stewardship into question. Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were ‘stewards of the mysteries of God’ and that ‘it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful’, 1 Cor. 4. 1-2. This is really not an option for us as believers; rather, it is a requirement of our Master, who will, one day, review our service for Him.

Jesus had already clearly taught that ‘No man can serve two masters ... Ye cannot serve God and mammon’, Matt. 6. 24. Mammon in Scripture is money, material gain or possessions. The believer is instructed not to lay up treasures upon earth, but rather in heaven. What then, did our Lord mean when He gave us this most unusual command?

A clearer understanding of this command may be gained from an alternative translation: ‘make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings’, v. 9 ESV. We are instructed not to be friends of the world. But, with what the Lord blesses us, we can make friends of our neighbours, work- associates, relatives and acquaintances for the gospel’s sake!

We should never make friends with unsaved people simply for the basis of their friendship for, too often, friendship leads to fellowship, which is not a goal to be desired by any spiritual believer. But the Lord Jesus encourages us to use the wealth of the world to befriend sinners with heaven in view. As faithful stewards of what the Lord blesses us with, we may befriend sinners for the gospel’s sake and help to positively influence their lives for eternity.