By MLC President Rich Gurgel NWC ’81, WLS ’86

No, that headline isn’t real. Yes, in 2024 the Wall Street Journal listed MLC as the #1 college/university in the country for career preparation. But there’s no shrewdness listing.

Would we strive to top that list if it did exist? Jesus does urge us in that direction.

In a shocking turn in one of Jesus’ parables, a dishonest steward receives commendation from his defrauded master “because he had acted shrewdly” (Luke 16:8). Neither the master (nor Jesus) commends dishonesty. The master commends his servant’s focused use of temporary resources to reach his goal of being welcomed into debtors’ homes (Luke 16:4).

Then comes a second shocker. Jesus looks each of us in the eye and speaks these words: “For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:8-9).

There it is! Jesus longs for us “people of the light” to prove ourselves as shrewd as those “people of this world.” And we get to do that without frantic fear—and for a greater purpose. We don’t act in fear as if only our shrewdness ensures that our needs are met. That’s how pagans operate (Matthew 6:32). Our Father gives us everything we need—since he’s already given us Jesus (Romans 8:32).

And we act shrewdly with a far greater purpose. The world pursues shrewdness to enhance temporal bottom lines. We pursue shrewdness with “worldly wealth” to “gain friends” who in thanks to God will be a heavenly welcoming team!

Now, back to that imagined headline. This is a very challenging time for higher education in our country. About one college a week closes its doors. In that setting, MLC seeks, under God’s blessing, to be A-list shrewd in handling “worldly wealth.” We aren’t fearful that our doors will close—God provides us with synodical support and many generous individual donors. Instead, we seek top-level shrewdness to help us raise up a new generation of messengers who will be gaining friends for heaven!

That’s why, in 2024, in partnership with synod leaders, we engaged experienced higher education consultants to analyze where we can be shrewder in how we operate as a college. Now, in 2025, we are implementing those recommendations, which will lead to stronger fiscal stability and operational efficiency—not primarily for a better bottom line, but for a mission that matters forever.

So, pray for God’s blessings as MLC embarks on an aggressive effort to be “the shrewdest college in the country.” The Wall Street Journal may never notice. Heaven’s welcome party will.