All Paid Up
/by Jack Eberle
Should I have put a question mark at the end of this title? You may have guessed what we’re getting at here.
Luke 16:1-12 has an interesting story to ponder. In a way, the story is “down to earthy”. Yet our Lord goes beyond the earthy to question the values of those in the short example. Our Lord seems to be saying, in modern vernacular, something like, “Do you understand stewardship or service?”
On the earth, it is often plain and simple to judge the working man by his dependability and perhaps even devotion to his master or “boss”. Is there not a certain parallel here for those who profess to worship and serve our Lord? I seem to remember from my five years at the mighty Bob Jones University, many such admonitions from the great leader, Dr. Bob Jones, founder, who oft admonished, “Dependability is the best ability!” (Believe me, I am not on their payroll, and Dr. Bob has been gone for many years.) You doubtless can think of those whom you would see who are dependable in what they do, and those who are dependably serving Him. They are faithful.
Our Lord does not “owe” any of His followers because of the cross, the shed blood, the agony that our Savior endured in our place for our sins. “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” [to Himself] (2 Cor. 5:19). “...be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:21). EVERY BELIEVER HAS BEEN RECONCILED TO GOD. His sorrowful death was totally efficient to accomplish this arduous and grievous labor.
My heart wants to stop this story here, but the Scriptures involved have further work to accomplish.
Our Lord made a strong appeal to His believers to “follow through”. Don’t be weak-kneed! Follow through with your commitment to serve your Savior. He was faithful to the cross. He did not pull up short of accomplishing your salvation. Don’t be an unfaithful steward. The world and its system will always be beckoning you away from your Lord.
Satan has all sorts of glittering to tease you away from your labor for your Master. Friend in the Body, as you labor in the profession God has chosen for you, work seriously. You should understand that you are where your Savior wants you to be, and you are working for your Lord while you fulfill your earthly role.
Colossians 2:6 tells us, “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in Him:” From day to day, no matter what, keep walking in Him. You will, therefore be with Him, your Lord and Master, WHO will instruct you in His will. Read Psalm 32:8. In order to be able to better follow your master, read (Phil. 2:5). Also read John 16:13.
