The Prodigal - A NT teaching on finance and giving

[James Griffin]

The word prodigal may very well be the most misused and misunderstood word in the English language. Most often, especially in the world of Christendom it is associated with the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Through common usage it is thought to mean simply one who left and has returned. However, a simple study of the word will reveal a totally different meaning. The word prodigal comes from the Latin word prodigalitatem and which means “wastefulness”. Definitions include: rashly or wastefully extravagant; one who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance. If you check other languages and translations the parable is simply referred to as the lost son. The parable itself speaks of the son taking his inheritance and squandering it. So what was it that struck a chord so deeply with the King James translators they chose to label him a prodigal as opposed to lost?


One of the main reasons is because while translating the Bible tediously, by hand, one word at a time into English they became intimate with the nuances of the Bible and realized the Bible is replete with commerce. The majority of parables of Jesus even dealt with the topic in one fashion or another. They often used the word steward in translation. In modern English we would use the term Asset Manager. Because it is clear from the parables such as the “Unjust Steward” (Luke 16) and the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) those in whom the master entrusted his capital were given broad discretion on how to invest it. But, make no mistake when the master returned they would give an accounting for their choices. For an example in the Old Testament, when Elisha the prophet performed a miracle and provided oil for the widow, it was not because she was starving but rather her finances were so bad a debt collector was about to take her sons into slavery to settle them. Even the last words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the cross were words of commerce. The word used in the Greek text was the single word “tetelestai” and which the King James renders “it is finished”. It was the exact word written across bills in ancient times to denote paid in full. Christ’s dying declaration was that He had paid the price so that mankind could enter into a New Contract or a New Covenant.


In Luke 16 we find some of the most overlooked passages in the entire New Testament. We have heard countless sermons and talks about how you cannot serve both God and Mammon (Luke 16:13) but what preceded this passage is virtually ignored. The unjust Asset Manager had been a prodigal; he had been wasting the master’s resources. He was put on notice he was about to be fired. He concluded he was not fit to dig ditches and was too proud to beg so he called in those who owed debts to his master and reduced them (note again the authority he had over those assets) so that when he was ousted he would have friends from whom he could expect to receive shelter. In the parable his master commended his shrewdness and understanding the economy of the world; how the world system works. Surprisingly Jesus did the same. Stating that His children need to have such knowledge and they need to understand the world system(s). It was even phrased “be a friend to unrighteous mammon”. However, lest there be any confusion this was followed with the oft quoted “you cannot serve two masters”. Also, within this parable we find the teaching, if you do not take care of things entrusted to you then you will not be given things of your own. The King James Version goes on to state that unless you learn to manage these things you will not be given “eternal things” to manage. In others words your eternal reward and things which shall be placed under your personal dominion will in some degree be measured by how well you manage the things you have been given in this life, including material assets!


One of the great and oft repeated fallacies is that the key to wealth is just “pay God His ten percent and He will bless the rest”. The tithe is how God's people support the local ministry. However, what is left over is still God’s. Everything that comes into your life including every dollar is entrusted to you to manage on His behalf. Close study of the scripture also reveals the degree to which you will be held accountable for it as well.


It is likewise obvious from reading the scripture that God wants His people to prosper. Lest anyone think this a launching pad for a “prosperity gospel” it is quite the opposite. The prosperity purported by certain groups and touted by the televangelists is ludicrous at best, blasphemy at worst. They are parasites engorging themselves on the masses and should be considered accursed. Nowhere in the scripture will you find precedent for “sowing seed” into a non-local ministry, just sitting back and waiting for God to make you wealthy. Abraham did not get a brochure from Melchesdek stating 58 reasons why he should send him 58 shekels a month. Abraham tithed to Melchesdek however, Abraham’s wealth was not instantaneous, and it came through commerce. Laban’s wealth was transferred to Jacob (Genesis 28-31), but the increase came through commerce. These days carefully listening to the televangelists’ solicitations will reveal their only emphasis is how much God will miraculously send wealth your way for giving them your money. While they shamelessly beg for monthly pledges even from widows on fixed income, they do not even pretend to go into detail about how it will be spent. The reason is so they do not face criminal prosecution when it goes into their pocket, or their mansion. May they repent or be Anathema Maranatha.


God’s plan for your prosperity is to support your local ministry with your tithes and offerings. (And support world hunger relief and evangelism as a corporate body through your local assembly). Tithing is the sine quo non, without which there will be no supernatural blessing on your efforts. But note it is possible to be wealthy without paying tithes just as it is possible to pay tithes and be broke. However, only by placing yourself in such alignment, will God supernaturally bless your commerce.


Jesus made it clear we should take time to learn the world economic systems. God will NOT supernaturally bless you with wealth unless you know how to manage it. The majority of all lottery winners are as bad or worse off financially within five years of winning their millions, as they were before winning. For the majority of us, instant wealth would be a curse instead of blessing, which is why God in His love only gives us what we can handle.


Examine your life. Are you a prodigal? Did you spend more on vacation last year than you invested into a business or IRA? Is your credit card debt so much you have had to take a lien against your home to pay it? Have you taken steps such as a will or sufficient insurance to protect your assets? Have you spent as much time learning how to run a business as memorizing baseball statistics or the latest fashion of dress? God wants to bless you so that you can bless others. Be assured when you stand before Him to give an accounting of your life you will be asked not how you managed your time, gifts, and talents which He brought into your life, but your personal finances as well.