059. LUK 16:8. THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT REPROVED

Luk_16:8. The Children of Light Reproved

"The children of this world are, in their generation, wiser than the children of light."’97Luk_16:8.

The text is part of the conclusion of the parable of the unjust steward; whose conduct is detailed at length in the preceding verses.

His conduct is held up as a specimen of that foresight and worldly prudence which so often characterizes the conduct of men in reference to the things of time. He is not commended for his unfaithfulness to his master; nor for his wicked prostitution of his substance, in laying a foundation for his own welfare; but for the care he took in making provision for his future wants. And in this, his conduct conveys a powerful reproof to the servants of God, who are seldom so intent and wise, in matters of greater value, and of eternal importance. "For the children of this world are wiser," &c. Let us,

I. Describe the Characters specified.

"Children of this world," and "children of light."

1. Children of this world.

Those who are truly of it’97who love it’97who possess its spirit’97act upon its maxims’97follow its vanities and fashions’97unrenewed, and strangers to the grace of God’97the subjects of him who is the "god of this world."

2. Children of light’97Are the regenerated sons of God, who is light, and in whom is no darkness. Those who possess the light of saving knowledge, of sanctifying grace, and the light of God’s reconciled countenance. Children of light are of the day’97love the light of God’s law’97possess the light of his Spirit’97enjoy the light of peace and hope’97and are heirs to the light of eternal glory.

These two classes comprise the whole human family. All men are the children of this world or the children of light, servants of God or Mammon. Let us,

II. Illustrate the Declaration made.

"The children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light."

Not really and truly so. One ray of gracious light is worth more than all the riches of the world. Neither is it universally true, that they are more sagacious and foreseeing. There are exceptions to the rule in both classes. Many worldly men are indolent, imprudent, and reckless. Many pious persons are wise, diligent, steady, and zealous in the pursuit of eternal life.

But it is a general truth, that worldly men do often excel in a prudent attention to the future. As it relates to the things of this world, they are often,

1. More prudent and sagacious in laying their plans.

How they scheme, and contrive, and try various expedients, to ensure success! Very frequently how dull the children of light! Often,

2. More warm and ardent in pursuing them.

All their energies are brought to bear upon them; the soul absorbed. Children of light often listless, and cold, and formal. Often they are,

3. More diligent and indefatigable.

Rise early, and sit up late, to follow out their schemes. Allow nothing to divert them. Make ease, and pleasure, and recreation subordinate to their worldly objects.

Children of light often indolent and careless. Deal with a slack hand, &c. Often 4. More self-denying and persevering.

They overcome difficulties, make any sacrifice, and toil like slaves, and persevere in their wearying pursuits, without interruption or cessation, for months and years together. All times and seasons are improved, until the object is realized How the zeal of the children of light intermits! What declensions, and inconstancy, &c.

Let us, then,

III. Attempt a practical Improvement of the Text.

1. Let the children of light,

(1) Be deeply humbled. Ought they to be outstripped by those who are running for a fading crown’97a wreath of withering flowers’97riches that rust’97pleasures of a moment’s duration? Surely not! Let the fact produce prostration at the footstool of God’s mercy.

(2) Be stimulated to diligence. Let them contemplate the superiority of the riches they are laboring to obtain. The riches of God’s grace’97are they not more suited to man’s exigencies than worldly treasures? More certain and more en during? Then let every nerve be strained; and let them agonize to obtain the crown set before them.

(3) Let them set Christ’s example be fore them. He is the Christian’s pattern And how did he labor? Was it not his meat and drink to do his Father’s will?

(4) Seek the reviving aids of the Holy Spirit. He only can quicken, support, and strengthen. With his assistance they can do all things.

2. Let the children of the world consider,

(1) How uncertain and unsatisfying is the world, which they are pursuing.

(2) How precious the soul which they are neglecting.

(3) How fearful the eternity to which they are hastening, thoughtlessly and unprepared.

Let them be truly wise, and seek the riches which will endure forever and ever.

See the case of the rich fool, and be serious, before it be too late. God now invites them to seek his face; and if they come to him truly and sincerely, through Jesus Christ, he will make them heirs of the joys of eternal life

Autor: JABEZ BURNS