Learning Eternal Truths

This week I read through Luke chapters 16-18 and I would like to point out some of the parables found in these chapters and explain what I think the major principle is that the Lord wants us to learn from each parable.

• Luke 16:1-12 The Parable of the Unjust Steward - Although ultimately the steward did wrong, because he made poor use of his steward, we can learn a lesson from what he did to prepare for the future when he knew that he would loose his stewardship. As he prepared for his temporary future by trying to make friends who would take care of him, we should prepare for the eternal future by following the counsel of the scriptures and making friends who would take care of us spiritually and help us regardless of our imperfections. 
• Luke 16:19-31 The Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus - I think that the principle to be learned from this parable is fairly obvious and what the principle is, is that we should be charitable towards our fellow man and give of our substance unselfishly.
• Luke 17:11-19 The Ten Lepers - the principle that can be learned from this parable can be learned by the actions of the one leper that returned to give thanks to Jesus Christ for healing him. When we receive blessings from the Lord, we need to remember to give thanks and credit to Him. When we do remember to do this, our faith will make us whole just as the leper who returned was made whole by his faith.
• Luke 18:1-8 The Parable of the Unjust Judge - The principle that we can learn from this parable is that, if a big important judge who feared nobody would be willing to help a woman who repeatedly asked for help, the Lord would most certainly be willing to help. We must pray and not grow tired of it. We receive the righteous desires of our heart when we pray continually and with faith.
• Luke 18:9-14 The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican -  The principle that I think that this parable is meant to teach is that we need to be humble and not let the pride that we so often feel when we things are going our way interfere with our spiritual growth. The publican was exalted that day while the pharisee wasn't, because the publican came before the Lord meekly and humbly asking for forgiveness while the pharisee came to boast of his self-righteousness.      

I think that these parables teach some of the most simple, yet some of the most important principles that we can abide by in this life. As we go through this life and deal with the many struggles and obstacles that come in our way, we will have a much better chance of overcoming those things and obtaining eternal life if we apply the principles learned from these scriptures into our lives.