Returning once again to the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, we notice Jesus pointing to another area of growth – that of responsibility.
Jesus points out that how we deal with small
responsibilities will give an indication of how we will deal with weightier ones. If we look at how one’s career develops, this would make a lot of sense. We normally begin our careers in a more junior position, from which we slowly learn to handle ever larger responsibilities. It is the same with parenting our children. We will begin entrusting our children with small, age appropriate responsibilities before expecting them to develop and undertake adult responsibilities.
Jesus takes the matter of responsibility even further. Jesus points out that if we do not care for what is entrusted to us on earth, we cannot expect great reward in heaven. In other words God expects us to live responsibly in this life before we resurrect into eternity.
If Jesus were to prepare an annual appraisal of you, for the Father, what do you think he might say? What are your strengths? What are your areas that need development?
