The Parable of the Unjust Steward

Read Luke 16:1-13...amazing eye-opening, heart-opening thoughts.

Here's a recap:

1) All things belong to the Lord. He created everything. We are His stewards over His creations.
2) What are you doing to prepare to give an account of your stewardships for the Final Judgment?
3) We should be as energetic, prudent, and wise regarding the values of eternity as men of this world are in obtaining status and wealth.
4) Be friends with those in positions of authority and wealth. You never know when they will join the church, assist the Kingdom of God on earth or at least vouch for you as a good person when you stand before God at the Judgment Bar.
5) If you're able to maintain a good home, hold down a job, manage your money and time, then you're more likely to be faithful in eternal blessings.
6) If you take care of God's children here on earth, you're more likely to handle your own Kingdom and your own children in the next life.
7) Our assignment is to use all these resources (a good job, a good home, our wealth, our time, our talents, our families, our hearts) to build the Kingdom of God--to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way. -Spencer W. Kimball, Prophet

Bishop Theophanes (born 1815) of the Russian Orthodox Church said the following:

Fix in your mind beforehand that in the parables it is not necessary to impart a meaning to every feature, but to hold to only the main thought of the parable, which is almost always indicated by the Lord Himself. For example, the Lord calls Himself “a thief” only in the sense that He will come unexpectedly and unnoticed. All the other features that distinguish a thief should not be taken into account. So also in this parable, the Lord had in mind to indicate only one feature, namely, how the unjust steward, having heard that dismissal awaits him, did not stand about gaping, but at once got down to business and provided for himself for the future.

I know we are saved by Grace. Alone, we are nothing and would remain in a fallen state forever. We are powerless without the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amazing Grace.

But I also know there is so much more in the next life than just sitting around in a relaxed, blissful state of happiness for all eternity. So...

What kind of initiative are you demonstrating to the Lord--here, today--that you will be faithful in managing your own Kingdom in the Eternal Mansions above? Think about that.

I think this is why our works matter.

I want this to be refreshing

I think these posts may lean more towards a religious tone. Not a preachy religious tone. Just a...hmmm...or...wow, I hadn't considered that...or...that's a good reminder.

But every once in a while, I become passionate about the most mundane thing. And sometimes I just HAVE to share my views on the current political stage or comment on something I read. And you'll probably hear about it on this blog. But generally speaking, I'm very non-confrontational. I don't like the spirit that confrontation brings. Perhaps that is why this blog feels like such a safe place.

But I think I want to maintain a reverent tone here...most of the time.

Here's my favorite acronym I learned years ago...see if you can find it in the scriptures.

SMILE. Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. It pays to be happy.

Consider the blessings in your life that gives you a reason to SMILE.