"You're fired." Those are two of the most troubling words that a gainfully employed person can hear.  I got fired without notice when a consultancy I was working for merged with a bigger company. The little firm that employed me got swallowed up and my position was eliminated. I went from working full-time to unemployed in a matter of about 30 minutes. In a weird way, it was one of the best things that ever happened in my life but it was really rough going from getting a sizable paycheck every two weeks to being eligible for food stamps and unemployment benefits. My pride took a huge hit and I needed to learn, somewhat like the shrewd manager, to account for my finances in an entirely different way than I did the moment the boss I was working for at the time came in & informed me I didn't have a job.

I'm still not sure exactly what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples with this parable.  I have a hint though that it's along the lines of guiding us as disciples to find out what is truly most valuable in life. I learned a great deal about myself when I didn't have quite as much stuff to lug around. I also learned that being shrewd is an important skill to possess when it comes to negotiating with bill collectors and landlords.

The most challenging aspect of this parable may be coming to terms with the realities of living in a consumer-based, capital-driven economy. When does money become a hindrance to our relationship with ourselves, other people, and God? How may we in small and large ways recall that the rules governing God's reign are not the same as those governing financial markets and federal budgets.. What accounting should we be constantly taking of ourselves in terms of evaluating our stewardship of our lives? What are the fruits of our wisdom? Does the quality of our relationships with the people we work with reasonably reflect our Christian faith? Do we adeptly think on our feet when an unexpected catastrophe happens or do we panic and seek to flee from the fallout.

In my own personal case, I lost a job while gaining an opportunity to re-consider the purpose of my life and how Christ was moving in it. Perhaps I'll preach more about that experience of Sunday.

Blessings Along The Way, Jim+

This video by the Thai "True Corporation" offers viewers an insightful & moving three minute story about abundance. I imagine it provides a window into understanding the Buddhist concept of karma. Another way of seeing it is through the Christian lens of compassion. It's worth watching just to take in the story. I hope that you enjoy it and receive a lesson you can carry with you.