Beyond Mammon: The Economics of Neighborly Love and the Enduring Value of Friendship in Luke 16:9

Beyond Mammon: The Economics of Neighborly Love and the Enduring Value of Friendship in Luke 16:9

shalom aleikhem,

Jesus's parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16 often leaves readers scratching their heads, and the concluding verse, "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings," is perhaps the most perplexing of His parables in New Testament. 

On the surface, it seems to suggest using worldly wealth, often acquired unjustly ("mammon of unrighteousness"), to secure eternal favor. However, delving deeper, particularly through the perspective of an "economics of neighborly love" and the intrinsic value of friendship, reveals a profound message that transcends mere material transactions.  

While one needs to read Tom Nelson's specific work on this, the concept of an "economics of neighborly love" likely emphasizes a paradigm shift from purely self-interested economic behavior to one that prioritizes the well-being and flourishing of others. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on loving one's neighbor as oneself. In this context, the "mammon of unrighteousness" isn't necessarily about ill-gotten gains, but rather the inherently limited and potentially corrupting nature of material wealth itself.

Consider the classic economic textbook view, which often centers on the maximization of individual utility. This utility is frequently presented as an abstract measure of satisfaction, and in its most basic form, can be interpreted as the fulfillment of desires, which can easily devolve into greed. This framework struggles to adequately account for altruism, compassion, and the intrinsic value we place on relationships that extend beyond transactional benefits.

Luke 16:9, viewed through this alternative lens, challenges the primacy of material utility. Instead of accumulating wealth for personal gain, Jesus suggests using it in a way that fosters genuine connection and care for others – making "friends." These aren't friendships built on mutual financial benefit, but rather on acts of generosity and service that reflect neighborly love. 

The reward promised isn't a direct purchase of eternal dwelling through earthly wealth. Instead, the act of using material possessions to cultivate meaningful relationships creates a network of people who have experienced God's love through our actions. These relationships, grounded in genuine care, hold a value that far surpasses the fleeting nature of "mammon." When earthly wealth inevitably "fails," the enduring impact of these relationships – the love shared and received – resonates with eternal significance.

Furthermore, as you mentioned, the perspective offered by Sir David R. Hawkins regarding elevated levels of consciousness adds another layer to understanding this verse. From this viewpoint, comprehending Luke 16:9 requires a shift in consciousness beyond the ego-driven pursuit of material accumulation. As individuals ascend in their spiritual understanding, they recognize the inherent interconnectedness of humanity and the profound value of love, compassion, and genuine friendship.

This resonates beautifully with Galatians 5:22-23, which speaks of the "fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." These are the very qualities that underpin true friendship and neighborly love, and they stand in stark contrast to the self-centeredness that can accompany the relentless pursuit of material wealth.  

In conclusion, Luke 16:9 isn't a call to cleverly manipulate worldly wealth for personal eternal gain. Instead, it's a radical invitation to re-evaluate our relationship with "mammon" and recognize the far greater value of human connection rooted in love and service. By using our resources, however limited or even tainted, to cultivate genuine friendships and embody neighborly love, we invest in a currency that transcends the material realm and echoes into eternity. This "economics of love," where the utility derived comes from the flourishing of others and the bonds of friendship, offers a profound alternative to a purely self-interested pursuit of material wealth.*

so, what do you think, brothers and sisters?

Maranatha!

*note: written with assistance of a large language model (30th April 2025)

sources:
(*) Tom Nelson's sample chapter, url: V. Christianto - Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Satyabhakti

(**) Luke 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.