Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never really been a fan of doing the little things first. Like most of society, I want to start at the top of the ladder, but you know, neither ladders nor life work that way.
This concept tells us that our faith grows little by little, and the more we exercise it, the more it grows. If we will be obedient to what we call the least, we will grow into the next level and the next.
But if we are not faithful in those things we consider inconsequential, God notices and keeps us at that level until we are obedient and our faith grows us to the next level.
Let’s look at a couple of the better known skimped-on “little” things:
• Little white lies. God said, “Do not lie.” That would seem to cover all of them, not just the whoppers. Lies hurt people, even the ones we think are “helpful.” Even those when you tell someone they look great, but that’s not honest. At some point they will be told the truth, then they are hurt and realize they can’t trust you.
• It’s just a… At work, it’s just a couple paperclips. It’s just a stack of paper. It’s just a pen. It’s just a few block. It’s just a bag of cement. No. It’s just a theft, and God said don’t steal. That even covers all the “borrowing” that’s done without any intent of returning it.
See? Little things, but to God, these have to be dealt with before we’re given bigger things to handle. Why would He put us in charge of valuable when we mishandle that worth less? Would you hand someone the keys to your car when they’ve stolen your bicycle?
It’s time we make a decision and live by it.
If we say we want to live a great life for the Lord, we have to act like we’re doing it now. Not being all arrogant and stuff, but by taking care of the little as though it were big. Living in a mobile home? Treat it like it’s a mansion – taking care of it and welcoming people in. Driving a clunker? Treat it like it’s a Mercedes or Bentley – taking care of it and using it to serve others. The only people you get to talk to are under three feet tall and don’t use complete sentences? Treat those children like those most worthy of your time and effort – with respect and joy.
Where are you on this ladder of faith? Are you still at the bottom, wondering when you’re going to get the nod to move on to the big stuff? It’s time to take a hard look at what you’ve been given to take care of and determine if you’re honest and faithful with them. If you are, keep at it, prepare for the next step God is leading you to. If you’re not, make the change. Correct your ways. Step into the honesty and faith God not only requires of you, but provides for you.
Seek Him. He’s there to help in every way. Let’s do this!
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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