SHARK TANK – Dec. 3rd

“The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.” Luke 16:8

There is a reality TV show called the “Shark Tank” that provides a glimpse of a world that most of us never get to be a part of. The show is about small business people with an idea or a product that are seeking investors, who are the “sharks”. These small business guppies are pitching their great new thing to the moneymen of the shark tank with hopes of obtaining a partner that will enable them to make a fortune. The problem is that these “sharks” are shrewd and they know the game better than most and the “guppies” of the show face a real risk of getting swallowed whole.

It is a fascinating look into the shrewdness of capitalism. One will quickly understand the axiom of “it takes money to make money” and why “the rich always seem to get richer”. The “sharks” are experts at identifying an opportunity. They also have the resources to act upon those opportunities.  That combination sets them apart. I have a MBA so I know the theories of that world and I work in management but I am not a “shark”. Whatever your opinion of these businessmen, one has to admit that they are very good at what they do.

The Bible tells us that we Christians can learn a thing or two from these “sharks”. “Sharks” are primarily driven by a purpose of maximizing profits. Christians have a purpose – “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever”. Now, what if we believers pursued that purpose as shrewdly as a “shark” pursues profits?

Just consider all of the opportunities that we are provide to bring glory to God, how many of those do we act upon? Are we even looking for opportunities? Are we actively out there trying to make our purpose happen?  Do we even know our chief purpose? I am ashamed to admit that shrewdness does not describe my purposefulness. Lackadaisical may be a more appropriate word.

That is not the way it should be. We should know how to deal with our own generation. We all will face a day when we will no longer be able to use our wealth and gifts for our chief purpose.  Now is the time to be making the most of the opportunities that we have to glorify God and be “making friends” for the Lord. There is an amazing promise here in verse 9 of being welcomed into heaven by those individuals who we had a part of reaching for Christ.  Will there be anyone to welcome you?

There is still time to invest wisely and seek opportunities. Only the exceptional, will be called a shark. Let’s strive to be exceptional for our Lord. Let’s be diligent about our purpose and act as shrewdly as any shark with the opportunities we are given.

PRAYER: Lord, Thank you for all the opportunities that you have given me to serve you. Forgive me for “cherry-picking” the ones that are most comfortable to me. Forgive me for not considering which opportunity will give you the most glory. Lord, I want to be a good servant. Give me a heart to desire to be about your purpose in all that I do, every day, this very day.    Amen