What Is Going On In Luke 16:8-9?

Dr. Couch, what is going on in Luke 16:8-9? ANSWER: This is a very tough passage of Scripture. Christ speaking about a steward and his master says: And his master praised the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when it falls, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. What throws us is the statement "mammon of unrighteousness." It seems Jesus is talking about profane riches, or simply money of the world. Though in itself money is not sinful, it is what the world uses in its dealings. The disciples had to use money to get things done, and even to bless people from time to time. Just like us today: we give donations and charity by using the world's money. We bless people with the funds of this government system. Our friends, those who are believers, who die and go before us to glory, will bless us when we arrive at our "eternal dwellings." They will do this because here on earth we used money to bless them. Money can be used for evil or for God's purposes. By reversing the thought in verse 11, I think the point is made clear. "If you have been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon [worldly riches], you will be entrusted with the true riches [the spiritual riches]." I hope this helps. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch