Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 5 – Eternal Welcome

Scripture: “So that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” – Luke 16:9b

Reflection:

One day, our money and earthly resources will be gone. But the eternal fruit of a shrewd life will remain. Imagine being welcomed into heaven by people whose lives were touched because you invested in them, prayed for them, or shared the gospel with them. That is the eternal outcome of godly shrewdness.

Application/Challenge:

Picture that eternal welcome. Who do you want to see there because of your faithfulness? Write down one person’s name and commit to praying for them daily this week.

Prayer:

Father, I want my life to matter for eternity. Help me to be shrewd with my money, my relationships, and my witness so that others will be welcomed into Your kingdom. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 4 – Shrewd in Evangelism

Scripture: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

Reflection:

Sharing the gospel often requires shrewdness. Some approaches may work for one person but not another. Paul said he became “all things to all people” so that some might be saved. Shrewd evangelism requires courage, creativity, and persistence. It means asking questions that peel back false confidence and gently leading people toward the truth of Christ.

Application/Challenge:

Practice asking a simple gospel-centered question today. For example: “Do you have any spiritual background?” or “What do you think happens after we die?” Use it as a door opener to listen well and share hope.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, guide my words and actions today. Give me shrewdness in sharing the gospel with wisdom, love, and boldness. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 3 – Shrewd in Relationships

Scripture: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

Reflection:

Jesus calls His followers to combine innocence with shrewdness. In relationships, this means being thoughtful and wise in how we approach people with the gospel. It may involve asking the right questions, choosing the right moment, or using creativity to open doors. Shrewdness in relationships isn’t manipulation—it’s Spirit-led wisdom to win people for Christ.

Application/Challenge:

Pray for someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. Ask God to give you a wise and gentle way to start a spiritual conversation with them this week.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You spoke to each person with perfect wisdom. Help me to be discerning and shrewd in how I love, serve, and share the gospel with others. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 2 – Shrewd with Money

Scripture: “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” – Luke 16:9

Reflection:

Money is temporary, but its impact can be eternal when used for the gospel. Just as the manager used resources to secure his future, Jesus calls us to invest in kingdom work. Supporting missionaries, church planters, or even inviting a neighbor for coffee in order to share Christ is a shrewd use of money. Every dollar can be leveraged for eternal fruit.

Application/Challenge:

Consider one way you can use your money this week for eternal purposes—supporting a ministry, buying a Bible for someone, or inviting a friend to lunch to share your testimony.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to see my money as a tool for Your kingdom. Show me where to give, how to bless others, and how to invest in eternity. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 1 – Understanding Shrewdness

Scripture: “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” – Luke 16:8a

Reflection:

Shrewdness is the ability to understand how things work and to leverage that knowledge at the right time. The dishonest manager wasn’t praised for his dishonesty but for his skill in thinking ahead. Jesus points out that the people of this world are often more shrewd in dealing with life than the children of light. Too often, Christians lack this skill because we confuse shrewdness with sin. But shrewdness itself is not evil—it depends on how and why it is used.

Application/Challenge:

Take five minutes today to reflect on areas of your life—work, finances, family, relationships. Where could you exercise godly shrewdness to honor Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, give me discernment to see situations clearly and to act wisely. Help me to grow in the skill of shrewdness, not for selfish gain but for Your kingdom. Amen.