Luke 16:4
"I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses."
The parable of the unjust steward is a parable about a man who unwisely wasted his masters possessions. The Scriptures do not make it clear whether it was finances or simply not taking care of his masters physical possessions. The one thing we do know is that when he was confronted with his actions and was fired, he was resolved he would try to change his actions and win the heart of his master back, and he was successful with his resolution.
Everybody is going to make mistakes in life. Some mistakes are more costly than others. Some mistakes we have to live with the consequences for years to come while other consequences are temporary. Whatever the consequences you have had to face or are facing, the actions of the unjust steward can help you with changing those actions so that you never do it again. There were five distinct actions this steward took to win back the heart of his master.
First, he received discipline with the right spirit. When the master confronted the steward about his actions, the steward listened and did not attack the disciplinary actions of his master. Oftentimes, we want to defend ourselves by giving excuses or attacking the one who is carrying out the discipline, but that will not help your situation. Let me suggest that you take the disciplinary action with a humble spirit and never give an excuse for your wrong. Giving excuses will only make the situation worse.
Second, the steward answered himself honestly. He asked himself, "What shall I do?" This question could have been answered dishonestly; instead, he answered himself honestly which resulted in positive actions. Being honest with yourself is the only way you can correct your problem. Being dishonest with yourself produces negative action. You did something wrong, so don't make it worse by lying to yourself. Ask yourself what you need to change, and answer the question honestly so you can produce positive actions.
Third, the steward was resolved to make necessary changes. You must resolve within yourself to make the necessary changes so that you don't make the same mistake again. You can shrug off the discipline and think a new landscape will make everything better, but it won't. The way to change your actions is to lay out what changes you need to make and be resolved to take those actions.
Fourth, the steward followed through on his resolutions. Following through on what changes you need to make is imperative to correcting the wrong. When you have determined what you need to do and are resolved to do it, then follow through by taking the actions you determined no matter how hard it may be.
Fifth, the steward learned from his mistakes. If you made a mistake, then learn from it and don't make the same mistake again. Don't be so foolish to get bit by the same wrong actions that bit you the first time. Learn from your mistakes and never do it again.
You will make mistakes in your life, or maybe you are currently living in the consequences of your mistakes. Take these five actions and correct your mistakes so you never have to go through the consequences again. Wise is the person who learns from their mistakes and takes steps to be sure they never make the mistake again. Be that wise person.