Luke 16:1-10 (1)
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
When we think of criminals, we are prone to visualize them in orange jumpsuits sitting in a 6 x 8 ft cell. We read the statistics and think once a criminal, always a criminal. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that 68% of released prisoners were rearrested within 3 years, 79% within 6 years, and 83% within 9 years. 44% were rearrested during the first year following their release.*
As alarming as this report may be, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Some do learn that crime does not pay. For example: former hacker Kevin Mitnick was on the FBI’s most wanted list. He was arrested in 1995 and released in 2002. He now owns Mitnick Security and helps other companies discover security lapses in their systems. Georigia Durante was a getaway driver for the Mafia but turned her life around and now owns a stunt-driving company. Frank William Abagnale the world-famous con man now runs a fraud-consulting company. Junior Johnson went to jail for smuggling alcohol before becoming a NASCAR driver.
This sampling is a microcosm of what is taking place in the spiritual realm as well. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Like the unjust steward, we were guilty as charged. The outcome of the story is up to us. The unjust steward made the right choice and became a transformed man. Our story also can be one of redemption if we will turn from sin to the Savior.
*https://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=6266
By Dr. Gayle Woods