The parable of the unjust steward teaches not cunning, but responsibility before God.
Jesus does not approve of deception, but shows that the children of light should live with the same awareness of eternity as people of the world have regarding temporary gain.
The parable of the unjust steward is recorded in Luke 16:1–13. It often confuses the reader, because it seems as though Christ is holding up a dishonest man as an example. But a careful reading, along with the Adventist interpretation and the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy, shows otherwise: the Lord condemns unfaithfulness, yet highlights the foresight and decisiveness that believers often lack in the work of salvation, service, and faithful stewardship of God’s gifts.
"And He also said to His disciples: There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’" Luke 16:1–2
We are not owners, but stewards
The first idea of the parable is that everything we have belongs to God. Money, time, health, abilities, opportunities, even life itself—these are entrusted resources, not our own absolute personal property. The steward in the parable acted as though his master’s possessions belonged to him. That is what caused the crisis: the day of accounting came.
For Adventist theology, the theme of stewardship is very important. God tests the human heart by how it handles what is small and temporary. If a person is unfaithful in earthly things, how can heavenly things be entrusted to them?
"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?" Luke 16:10–11
In this sense, the parable is not only about money. It is about character. Money is a moral test. Christ teaches that faithfulness is revealed in everyday things: in honesty, sacrifice, tithe, helping those in need, and a responsible attitude toward work and service.
What exactly was "praised" in the steward
The master does not praise fraud as such. He notes that when the steward found himself facing an unavoidable future, he began to act decisively and with regard for what awaited him ahead. Jesus uses this example by way of contrast: if worldly people know how to care so energetically for their temporary future, why are believers so careless about eternity?
"So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt wisely. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light." Luke 16:8
Adventist commentaries usually emphasize that Jesus is not telling us to imitate the steward’s moral corruption, but calling us to adopt his foresight. A worldly person is often disciplined for the sake of success, while a Christian is sometimes passive in prayer, mission, self-denial, and preparation for the kingdom of God.
Ellen White, in the spirit of this parable, repeatedly emphasizes that the Lord has entrusted His people with means for service, not for selfish use. She writes that all gifts are given to us for character development, the spread of the gospel, and helping others. Therefore, true wisdom is investing resources in what has eternal value.
"Unrighteous mammon" and "everlasting dwellings"
The most difficult words are found in verse 9. By "unrighteous mammon" we should understand earthly, temporary material resources of this sinful world. Money in itself is not holy; it easily becomes an instrument of sin. But Christ says that even these temporary means can be used for good—for helping people, supporting God’s work, showing mercy, and preaching the truth.
"And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home." Luke 16:9
The idea is not that salvation can be bought. Salvation is only through the grace of Christ. But our resources can become a means of blessing to others. When, through our faithfulness, someone hears the gospel, receives help, is converted, or is strengthened in faith, then earthly possessions have served a heavenly purpose.
Here it is appropriate to remember the general biblical principle:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…" Matthew 6:19–20
It is impossible to serve two masters
The conclusion of the parable moves the conversation from the practical to the spiritual. The problem is not only in managing money, but in the question of worship. Who possesses the human heart—God or mammon? Where the heart is attached to the material, faithfulness to God inevitably grows weak.
"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Luke 16:13
That is why the Adventist interpretation sees in this parable a call to full consecration. Christ does not merely ask us to avoid obvious deceit. He demands a new center of life, where God is Lord over finances, plans, work, and motives.
The Spirit of Prophecy especially emphasizes that selfish accumulation destroys the soul, while generosity, faithfulness in tithes and offerings, service to the poor, and support of the mission prepare a person for heaven. This is not merit, but the fruit of a converted heart.
A practical lesson for the Christian today
Thus, the parable of the unjust steward is both a warning and a call. The warning: the day of accounting will come. The call: use present opportunities wisely, quickly, and for the glory of God. The children of light should not be less serious about eternity than the children of the world are about their earthly interests.
The practical application is very concrete: review how you relate to time, money, talents, and influence. Do they serve only you, or God? Do you support His work? Do you help people? Do you live as though you will soon give an account? A wise Christian does not wait until the last moment. Already today he gives his whole life to Christ and turns what is temporary into a tool for the eternal.
