Only One: Who’s Really Mastering Your Life?

If you’ve ever read Luke 16:1–13, you might have scratched your head and thought, Wait, is Jesus praising a shady businessman? At first glance, it feels that way. But if you start at the end of the parable and work backward, His point is crystal clear:

You can’t serve both God and money. Not “it’s hard to” or “you probably shouldn’t.” Jesus says it’s impossible—because whatever you’re enslaved to, you serve.

The Rival Named “Mammon”

In the original language, “mammon” wasn’t just another word for cash—it meant “that in which one trusts.” This is the only either/or rival mentioned by Jesus. Money can imitate God by promising security, freedom, provision, and joy… but those promises expire the moment your resources run out. God offers the same—and more—with no expiration date.

You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Be Enslaved

Some people are owned by their stuff. Others don’t have much at all, but they’re still enslaved—obsessed with “just a little more” or living in fear of losing what little they do have. Whether in wealth or want, the trap is the same: putting your trust in something that can vanish overnight.

The Parable’s Twist

The dishonest manager was commended—not for his dishonesty, but for being shrewd. He used what was temporary to prepare for the future. Jesus says the children of light should be just as wise, investing our limited resources into eternal purposes. That means living open-handed, being faithful with what’s entrusted to us, and letting God be the only true Master.

When our fists are clenched—holding tightly to our money, possessions, or even our own plans—there’s no room to receive what God wants to give. But when we live open-handed, we not only trust Him more, we free ourselves from being owned by what we own.

Reflection Questions

1. Are your possessions serving you, or are you serving them?

2. In what ways might you be trusting money more than God?

3. What’s one area where you could live more open-handed this week?

Prayer

God, help me see where I’ve been clinging too tightly to things that won’t last. Teach me to live open-handed and to trust You completely. Remove anything in my life that’s competing for first place in my heart. Be my only Master. In Jesus’ name, Amen.