God has given us a diversity of spiritual gifts (including clear doctrine and saving faith), expecting that we stir them up and use them in order that they do not rust or deteriorate. God is our active partner in producing spiritual value. The parable of the unjust steward illustrates a principle that we must emulate the shrewdness of people immersed in the world's business savvy, people constantly planning for the future and working diligently toward that goal. Hard work and effort make worldly business succeed; we must emulate this model of diligence in our spiritual life. Businessmen realize that they must become adaptable in order to stay competitive; we should adapt and seek out ways to more efficiently carry on our spiritual work, growing in knowledge and ability, learning how to work smarter and not merely harder. Religion is serious business.