Faithfulness in little things
Good morning brethren, I would like to share a brief exhortation with us on the topic: “Faithfulness in little things” Our anchor Scripture is Luke 16:10 “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” My aim for this topic is to help encourage every believer to understand that God values faithfulness in small responsibilities, daily obedience, service, relationships, giving, prayer, and our walk with Him. When we prove faithful in little things, we will be preparing ourselves for greater responsibilities and opportunities. I pray that by the end of this teaching everyone of us will have a simple prayer point “Lord, make me faithful in little things in Jesus name.” What does faithfulness in little things mean? It means being dependable, trustworthy, consistent, and obedient, even when nobody is watching and when there is no immediate reward. It also means doing the right thing because it pleases God, not because people will praise us. It is not strange to say that many believers desire great things from God, they pray for great opportunities, financial breakthroughs, promotion, spiritual gifts, leadership positions, and greater influence. However, while they are waiting for those big things, God may also be examining how they have handled the little things He already placed in their hands. For example the one who wants to be a leaders, but was he a faithful follower? You want to preach to thousands, but did you faithfully encourage one person? You want God to bless you with more, but are you managing what you have received before? Luke 16:10 teaches us that faithfulness is not measured only by the size of our responsibility but by the integrity with which we handle it. God does not despise small beginnings, Zechariah 4:10 says “For who hath despised the day of small things?” Please know this that a small seed has the potential to become a great tree so a small act of kindness can change someone's day. A short prayer offered in faith can strengthen our relationship with God. A small responsibility handled diligently can prepare us for greater service. “I pray and declare that God will deliver us from despising little beginnings. Give us the grace to be faithful in every responsibility He places in our hands, in Jesus name!” Perhaps I should ask us this practical question, Are we faithful in our personal prayer lives? Do we read God's Word consistently, even when we are busy? Do we obey God only when it is convenient? Do we remain committed when our prayers appear unanswered? Let me make it simpler “can God depend on us? Especially in obeying His instructions, and live according to His principles? Please note that faithfulness is needed in every little responsibility God entrust into our lives. Let us consider the life of David before he became king of Israel, he faithfully cared for his father's sheep. He faced a lion and a bear while protecting the flock (1 Samuel 17:34–37).
David's private faithfulness prepared him for a public assignment. The courage he demonstrated before Goliath had been developed while nobody was celebrating him. David was not waiting for a palace before he could demonstrate courage. He was faithful in the field. Therefore are the Church worker who arrives on time and performs an unnoticed duty faithfully or the believer who keeps promises, returns borrowed items, and treats other people's property with respect. Etc, keep being faithful in those little things and do not underestimate what God can develop through ordinary responsibilities. I pray that the Lord will help us to be trustworthy in every assignment He committed to us, and may our faithfulness in little things prepare us for greater responsibilities in Jesus name. (1 Corinthians 4:2). As believers we are required to be faithful in our words, promises, and relationships and not only to our Church activities. We are to be faithful in our homes, marriages, friendships, workplaces, and dealings with others. Now the question is can people trust our words? Do we keep our promises? Do we speak truthfully? Do we treat people with respect when they cannot benefit us? Matthew 5:37 says “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay…” A faithful person does not make promises carelessly or tell lies to escape responsibility. Where a promise cannot be fulfilled, a faithful person communicates honestly. “I pray that the Lord will remove every spirit of dishonesty, inconsistency, and unfaithfulness from our lives and help us to be dependable in our families, relationships, ministry, and daily dealings in Jesus name.” Let us reflect on some biblical characters who were faithful in little things, we already said something on David’s, Joseph was faithful in an unfamiliar place (Genesis 39:2–6, 20–23), he served faithfully in Potiphar's household and later demonstrated integrity in prison. He refused to compromise his principles when tempted. The lesson here is that your circumstances may change, but your character must remain grounded in God. The boy with five loaves and two fish, gave his small meal which later became part of a miracle when it was made available to Jesus (John 6:5–13). As believers we should not despise what you have because it seems insufficient. Offer your time, skills, resources, and abilities to God. And of course the faithful servants story in Matthew 25:14–23. The servants who put their master's resources to work were commended for their faithfulness. God expects us to use responsibly what He has entrusted to us, rather than burying our abilities through fear or neglect. Lastly, let us look at what may hinder faithfulness in little things: when one begin to desire recognition, and only willing to serve when their names are announced or their efforts noticed (Colossians 3:23). Secondly, when you begin to compare yourself with others you may become discouraged because somebody else has a bigger ministry, a better opportunity, or more resources (Galatians 6:4–5).
Thirdly, procrastination and carelessness can hinder faithfulness in little things especially neglecting small duties repeatedly can become a habit that damages larger responsibilities (Proverbs 13:4). Fourthly, when you begin to think that little things do not matter. For example small lie can damage trust, a neglected prayer life can weaken one’s spiritual discipline. A little act of disobedience can become the beginning of a larger problem. Scripture in Song of Solomon 2:15 speaks about the little foxes that spoil the vines. Sometimes, it is not a major crisis that damages our progress; it is a series of small compromises left unchecked. I pray that the Lord will expose and remove every habit, attitude, and little compromise that is hindering our spiritual growth. Give us a heart that honours God in the small and the great in Jesus name. In conclusion, God rewards faithfulness, when you are faithfully in little things God can entrust us with greater responsibility, faithfulness builds a godly character - every time we choose honesty, prayer, obedience, diligence, and integrity, our character is strengthened, faithfulness brings honour to God and faithfulness has eternal significance (Revelation 2:10). Our Workers meeting begins at 9:45 am and the Service starts at 10:15 am. God blessings. – Mike