Two-minute read.
Referring to a shrewd manager who got caught in his own schemes, today’s verse addresses handling someone else’s property. In Jesus’s parable, the employer finds out his employee has wasted money. In desperation, the worker shrewdly forfeits his pay, which impresses the rich man. Christ’s lesson to use worldly resources to benefit others will make you friends who will welcome you. Trusting someone with a little determines whether you can trust them with a lot.
As we develop relationships, we give our new friends the benefit of the doubt. We expect them to tell us the truth, keep their word, and walk with us on the journey. Becoming that kind of friend helps you develop those kinds of relationships. We can’t expect others to do what we won’t do ourselves.
“Why don’t you become the kind of woman someone would want to marry?” asked the show’s producer.
Watching a reality TV show about a group of single friends, one of the girls desperately wants a husband, but doesn’t want to change her ways. Promiscuous and flirtatious, she enjoys drawing attention to herself with her exploits. When the producer asked this question, she had a flippant reply.
“Why would I want to do that? Why can’t I just have fun and he be okay with that?”
Can you see the dilemma? She wants one thing but acts another way and doesn’t want to compromise her lifestyle. For married ladies, you already know how important compromise becomes in marriage. In the same way, we must become the type of friend we want to have. We can’t expect others to keep our secrets if we won’t keep theirs. Healthy relationships create safe spaces for people to become vulnerable. Having the ability to share our thoughts with someone and have them listen and respond with love develops long-lasting relationships, whether friendship or marriage. If we want trustworthy friends, we must become someone people can trust.
When someone asks you to keep a secret, keep it. If a friend withdraws, go after them and find out why. Put their needs before yours, ask them how you can pray for them, and create a safe space for them to turn to amidst life’s storms. Become the friend you want to have, and you will discover a plethora of friendships that will uplift and encourage your soul.
Journal Questions:
What characteristics do you look for in a friend?
What areas do you need to work on to become the kind of friend you want?
How do you build trust in a relationship?
Friendship Application:
Think of one aspect of friendship you want to work on today and do it.
