Scripture: Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Luke 16:1-13

It happened in Rome – that ancient city of mystery and intrigue. And while the story had its beginning over three hundred years ago, the conclusion came in the mid 1950’s when Clare Boothe Luce was serving as the United States Ambassador to Italy.

During her early years in that position, the Ambassador chose a beautiful seventeenth century villa to live in. Shortly after she moved in, however, Mrs. Luce noticed that, despite the fact she was getting ample rest, she was always tired. It wasn’t long after that she began to lose weight – a lot of weight. The situation continued to worsen until she no longer had enough energy to dress and walk downstairs without having to pause to rest.

After a period of intense testing, the doctors discovered that the Ambassador was being poisoned with arsenic. At first, everyone on her staff was suspect. One by one, however, those who had close contact with her were cleared of any wrong doing. Despite the ongoing investigation and increased security measures, the Ambassador continued to grow weaker and weaker.  Finally, the doctors had no other choice than to put her on complete bed rest.

Yet, the mystery continued.  If no one was trying to harm her, where was the poisoning coming from? After running out of all other leads, the investigators decided to check the house.

It was the ceiling in her bedroom. There were beautiful roses ornately done in plaster relief directly above her bed. The paint that had been used on them contained a lead that was derived from arsenic. Through the years it had begun to decompose allowing a very fine dust to fall from the ceiling onto her bed – a dust that contained just enough arsenic to poison her. 

Regrettably, the same thing is happening to all of us here. We are in danger of being poisoned by the ornate culture in which we live. Our attitudes, concepts, and values are being eroded by the materialistic values that surround us.  What is makes it even more worrisome is the fact that, we, like the Ambassador, are not even aware of it. 

We spend our lives surrounded by advertisements, billboards, and displays aimed at coaxing us into buying products we don’t want and don’t need.  And, yes, most of us have ourselves are convinced that we are not paying attention, so the constant bombardment is not affecting us.  The advertisers know this!  That’s why they pay marketers big bucks to develop ways to get into our subconscious and break down our resistance!  How many of you get a snack, go to the bathroom, or flip through the channels during the commercials?  That is exactly why the volume increases during those 15 second bites!  Have you ever grumbled and complained because the aisles in the grocery store are clogged with displays?  Well, guess what?  Most of us will spend 10 to 15 percent more because those pesky displays slow us down and forces us to look at the shelves just long enough to find something else to buy.  Oh, if you want to get a man to buy a car make it red or black and stand a beautiful woman beside it!

Like it, or not, we live in an ornate culture filled with objects that are beautiful to look at and lovely to own.  Even the most dedicated minimalist among us can be tempted and worn down!  

In his book, A Stewardship Scrapbook, William R. Phillippe states that "Our ancient brothers and sisters understood the dangers that were inherent in wanting and owning too much.  That is why their basic teachings were that God created everything.  We are simply allowed to use it for a very limited time.  Therefore,  we are (simply) stewards – careful keepers and users of that which belongs to another.  To put structure around that concept, the law of Moses taught that the people must share so that all can benefit from the fabulous creation of this marvelous God."  (p. 58)

What many of us don’t realize is that they were not only expected to tithe, to give one-tenth of their income to the church, but to participate in three distinct tithes which added up to almost 24 percent of a family's income in addition to their special offerings!  But notice the joy that runs through the passage.  There are parties and celebrations.  People are fed.  Needs are met.  The future is provided for.  There is no need to worry or to horde because God’s gifts are sufficient for today, tomorrow and eternity.

The joy of being stewards – careful keepers and users of that which belongs to another - is so obvious in Deuteronomy and so lacking in the Gospel.  It is there we are confronted by a steward who seems vaguely familiar to all of us.  He has a good job with a generous employer.  And while that employer provided him with more than enough to live comfortably and have enough left over to share, it wasn’t enough for him.  So, he spent more than he earned by “borrowing” what wasn’t his.  It wasn’t until the crazy scheme backfired, and he was forced give away what he had earned, that there was any joy at all.  Christians, the master doesn’t admire or approve of the steward’s dishonesty and self-centeredness.  What he commends, instead, is that his former employee finally realizes that it was only when he used the money to benefit others that he actually insured his own future.

Jesus said:  What will it profit a person to gain the whole world but to forfeit his or her own life?  In a culture such as ours, isn’t it about time we answer the question?   What has it gained us if we own . . . and owe . . . so much but there is no joy and contentment?