“For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.” (Luke 16:8)

That verse got me thinking this morning. Am I being prudent in the eyes of the world, or prudent as a child of God?

I’ve been entrusted with a lot of responsibility. A lot of people depend on decisions I make, and I really do try to make good ones. But sometimes I wonder if I’m making decisions based on what’s right or simply what’s easiest.

Last night, I had a difficult conversation about leadership. I was trying to be prudent, trying to keep things moving and make the best of a situation. But this morning, reading the Gospel, I started questioning my motives.

In the first reading, Paul talks about people whose god is their stomach. At first, I found myself thinking about someone else. But then I turned that around on myself. Am I doing the same thing? Am I allowing my own desires, my comfort, or my desire to avoid conflict to guide my decisions?

For some reason, I kept coming back to the word steward.

A steward doesn’t own what he’s been given. He’s responsible for taking care of it for someone else.

And that’s me. God has entrusted me with people, responsibilities, and opportunities. They’re not mine. They’re His.

I was reminded of something St. Thomas Aquinas taught about prudence. It’s not simply choosing the easiest or most practical path. It’s using good judgment to do what is right.

That helped me see something. Sometimes the easy decision isn’t the prudent one. Sometimes being a good steward means making the harder decision because it’s what’s best for the people entrusted to my care.

But here’s where I think the Lord gave me a much-needed humility check.

Last night, when I needed God’s help, I was actually embarrassed to ask for it!

Embarrassed! To ask God for help!

Think about that for a minute. Here I am, writing these reflections every morning, sharing my faith, hoping to help others grow closer to God. And when I find myself in a difficult situation where I could really use His help, I’m embarrassed to turn to Him?

What in the world am I doing?

I can write about trusting God. I can encourage others to surrender to Him. But apparently, I still struggle to do it myself, especially when other people are around.

Maybe I need to spend a little less time worrying about how to lead others and a little more time remembering Who is supposed to be leading me.

That’s a pretty good humility check for a fellow writing about how to get closer to God!

So my prayer today is simple.

Lord, I’m sorry. You’ve entrusted me with so much, and here I am trying to handle things on my own. Help me be a faithful and prudent steward. Give me the wisdom to know what’s right, the courage to do it, and the humility to turn to You for help, especially when others are watching.

When you find yourself in a difficult situation, do you turn to God for help, or do you try to handle it all on my own?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Philippians 3:17–4:1 | Psalm 122:1–5 | Luke 16:1–8