He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

                                                                                                         Luke 16:10 

Today: Read Luke 16

Faith is an essential part of the Christian life. Faith in Jesus is the basis for our salvation (John 3:18). Faith is the currency by which we see answered prayer (Mark 11:24, James 1:5-8). It is faith that acts as our defense against the enemy (Ephesians 6:16) and it is our faith that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6). God Himself is faithful to us so it should be no surprise that faithfulness is what God desires from our lives. Consider the following:

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness.

                                                                                                               Psalm 33:4 

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

                                                                                                               Psalm 91:4 

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 

                                                                                                       2 Thessalonians 3:3

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

                                                                                                                           1 John 1:9

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful…

                                                                                                            Hebrews 10:23 

In today’s passage Jesus is teaching a biblical principle regarding faithfulness. When we are faithful in little things it means that we will be faithful in much. Likewise, when we are unrighteous (unfaithful) in small matters it demonstrates that we will be unfaithful in larger matters as well. In the larger context Jesus is talking about the use of money but I believe that this biblical principle can be applied to just about any aspect of life. Personally, I have lived on both sides of this truth having been faithful at times while being grossly unrighteous in others.

If we find ourselves faithful in the small things and are waiting for God to give us responsibility of the larger things, I would like to offer up some encouragement. God uses everything in our lives to mold and shape us in order to include us in His work on earth. Don’t rush the process. The experiences we are going through today can become the very pillars of wisdom that we need to take on the next task. Patiently wait for God being expectant of His provision. If we have a calling on our lives, He will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). Everything we are given is for our benefit and to further our effectiveness in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). So continue to be faithful and wait patiently, allowing God to develop what He has begun.

If we find ourselves having been unfaithful in anything, let me also offer some encouragement. Our failures do not equate to God’s inability to use us. If we continue to demonstrate unfaithfulness then it would only make sense that God would withhold larger assignments knowing that we are not ready to handle them. However, when we fail, we have a choice to make. We can disqualify ourselves from service due to guilt, shame, or self-condemnation or we can turn from those mistakes looking expectantly toward what is ahead. Failure gives us the chance to make adjustments and to learn and grow. Failure provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge our own limitations and to recommit to trusting and relying on God for stability and strength. Also, failure gives us a chance to instruct others in avoiding the pitfalls we have faced in our own lives. To sum it up: failure does not mean that the calling of God on our lives is over. In fact, it can provide the canvas for which God does His greatest work demonstrating His power.

So if you find yourself being faithful in little things, press on and continue to be faithful. Patiently and prayerfully wait on God to reveal His next assignment. And if you have failed in your service to God, accept His forgiveness and recommit your efforts in serving Him being tenacious in your faithfulness!