Be Shrewd for God: Master the Art of Clever Faith

In our fast-paced world, being shrewd is often equated with being cunning or even deceitful. However, as Christians, we are called to embrace a different kind of shrewdness—one that reflects wisdom, integrity, and discernment in our daily lives. This blog will explore how we can harness this clever faith to better serve God and reach those around us.

Understanding Shrewdness

Have you ever encountered a non-believer who you would classify as shrewd? It's not uncommon to find people in the world who exhibit a keen insight and sharp judgment in their personal and professional lives. But what about Christ followers? Are they also shrewd in the way they navigate their faith and share God's love?

The term "shrewd" can carry a negative connotation, suggesting craftiness or deceit. However, when we look deeper, we see that shrewdness, in a biblical context, refers to possessing wisdom and discernment. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to be shrewd in a positive way—using our cleverness to glorify God rather than ourselves.

The Biblical Basis: Luke 16:1-9

In Luke 16, we encounter one of the more challenging parables in the Bible, where Jesus discusses a dishonest manager. This parable is often perplexing, as it seemingly praises shrewdness even in the context of dishonesty. The manager, upon being fired, takes action to secure his future by reducing the debts of his master's debtors. This cunning act earns him the commendation of his master.

Jesus highlights that the "sons of this world" often demonstrate greater shrewdness in their dealings than the "sons of light." This comparison challenges us as Christians to examine our own behavior. Are we as clever and discerning in our faith as the world is in its pursuits?

Lessons from the Parable

The key lesson from this parable is not about the dishonesty of the manager but rather about the importance of being proactive and wise in our stewardship. We, too, are managers of what God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, and resources. The question is, how are we using them?

• Be proactive: Just like the manager who took swift action, we must be intentional in how we live out our faith.
• Focus on relationships: The manager's strategy involved building relationships with others to secure his future. We should also seek to build connections that point others to Christ.
• Act with integrity: While the manager was shrewd, he was also dishonest. We must ensure our actions align with God's principles, using our cleverness for His glory.

Being Faithful in Stewardship

Stewardship is a crucial aspect of our faith. In Luke 16:10-12, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small things to be entrusted with greater responsibilities. Are we managing what we have—our finances, relationships, and opportunities—honestly and wisely?

Being shrewd for God means recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. How we manage our resources reflects our faithfulness to the Master. If we are unfaithful with worldly wealth, how can we expect to be trusted with true riches?

Servanthood and Leadership

As we navigate our roles as servants and leaders, we must remember that true leadership in God's kingdom is about serving others. Jesus exemplified this through His life, demonstrating that greatness comes through humility and service. Our shrewdness should lead us to serve others and point them to Christ.

Consider your own life: Are you leading with integrity? Are you using your influence to uplift and encourage those around you? Shrewdness in leadership means being wise in how we guide others, always reflecting the love of Christ.

Creative Approaches to Sharing the Gospel

Being shrewd also means being creative in how we share the gospel. We live in a world that is often resistant to traditional methods of evangelism. Therefore, we must think outside the box to engage those around us.

One example is how we can leverage our workplaces to share our faith. Consider how you can use your unique skills and insights to create conversations about Jesus. Just as the manager in the parable was clever in his dealings, we should be clever in our approach to evangelism.

Addressing Common Excuses

Many of us have excuses for why we don't share our faith or engage in shrewdness. Perhaps we worry about what others will think or feel inadequate in our knowledge of the Bible. However, it's crucial to remember that God equips us for the tasks He calls us to. We must overcome our fears and step out in faith.

Preparing for Jesus' Return

As we consider our shrewdness and stewardship, we must also keep in mind the return of Jesus. The reality of His return should motivate us to live with intention and purpose. Are we making the most of the time we have left? Are we being diligent in sharing the gospel and serving others?

FAQs

What does it mean to be shrewd for God?

Being shrewd for God involves using wisdom and discernment in our actions and decisions to glorify Him. It means being clever in our approach to sharing the gospel and managing our resources.

How can I be more shrewd in my daily life?

Start by being intentional in your relationships and how you manage your time and resources. Seek opportunities to serve others and share your faith creatively.

What if I feel inadequate to share my faith?

It's normal to feel inadequate, but remember that God equips us for His purposes. Trust in His strength and guidance as you step out in faith.

How can I be a good steward of my resources?

Evaluate how you are currently managing your finances, time, and talents. Look for ways to use them for God's glory, whether through giving, serving, or sharing the gospel.

What role does integrity play in being shrewd?

Integrity is crucial in being shrewd. Our actions should align with God's principles, and we must be honest in our dealings to truly reflect His character.

Conclusion

As we strive to master the art of clever faith, let us remember that being shrewd for God is about more than just cleverness; it's about integrity, wisdom, and a genuine desire to serve Him and those around us. May we be faithful stewards, using our shrewdness to glorify God and share the love of Christ with a world that desperately needs it.