Luke 16

Interestingly, Christ comments on the difference between believers and non-believers in a very different manner in this passage. Normally, when contrasts are made between believers and non-believers the believer is favored as being in a better situation and possessing more eternal assets. The non-believer is generally cast as a fool destined to an eternal death. In this case, Christ turns that on its head.

With the use of a parable about a dishonest man, Christ comments on the lack of worldly wisdom of many believers. He doesn't condone dishonesty. He doesn't encourage believers to start trying to manipulate people around them for personal gain. He just points out that everyone has been given a share of something that is not theirs. We are all managers working for God. Interestingly, non-believers often understand better what it takes to manage relationships with people and relationships with money than believes.

Perhaps as believers we are so afraid of the dangers of money and business that we never learn how to deal with it properly. Perhaps we believe that dealing with those things is inherently evil. Perhaps there is some other reason that I don't completely understand. Regardless, it seems clear here that Christ is telling us to learn how to do those things well. Our role in this world is not to be social outcasts. Our role is to make friends and share the gospel and we can't really do that if we are constantly being taken advantage of by non-believers.