Who's on the Throne?

Luke 16:1-18

We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more: more money, more opportunities, more experiences, more success. We open our phones and are immediately exposed to the lives of millions of people, reminding us of everything we don’t have. We constantly strive to win the approval of others, but it’s a losing game. No matter what we do, someone will always disapprove. But we keep doing it. Why? What are we really pursuing?

Luke 16:13 says, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Allowing God to take His rightful place at the center of our lives is not always easy. It requires daily sacrifice, discipline, and self-awareness. If we’re not careful, even good, healthy desires can become idols, quietly taking God’s place in our hearts.

The truth is, our relationship with God is the only thing we can trust with complete certainty. Everything else can change in an instant. Relationships disappoint us, the stock market crashes, careers shift, and our dreams don’t always unfold the way we imagined. When we build our identity and worth on things that are temporary, we’re bound to be disappointed. Nothing this world offers can satisfy us the way God can.

What if we pursued God with the same determination that we pursue success, approval, and everything else we think will satisfy us? What if the energy we spent earning the approval of others was instead invested in knowing Him more deeply? I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When God is our first priority, we can trust Him to provide exactly what we need. Everything else becomes a blessing rather than something we desperately cling to.

So where do we start? Luke 16:10 says, “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” We start with what God has placed in front of us today. We don’t have to wait until we’ve become the next version of ourselves to live the life He’s called us to. We don’t need to be married, lead a company, or stand on a stage in front of thousands of people. The ordinary moments of everyday life are where faithfulness is formed. The small decisions we make in these moments shape our hearts and prepare us for what lies ahead. As we choose to seek God first in the little things, we discover that He is not only enough, but He is everything we’ve been searching for all along.

Carmen K