THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many.” — Matthew 25:23 (NKJV)
Well, last month I blogged about living without limits, but did you know that living without limits begins with the little things? In the American culture everything bigger is presumed to be better. Our culture teaches us to look for the bang and boom, the sparkly and shiny, the glitter and glam. But the kingdom’s truth contradicts that view. The simple truth is this: faithfulness in the little things is the pathway to much.
It is easy to overlook the little things because no one applauds them. Little things are easily disregarded because they don’t appear to be important or impactful. Little things are easy to ignore. But in God’s economy, the little things matter deeply. The little that you do quietly, consistently, and intentionally prepares you for more.
When you are intentional about your calling and assignment, you are living on purpose no matter how small the effort may seem. It means that you are choosing to be obedient even when no one is looking; even when no one is applauding. When you treat even the smallest assignment as a sacred responsibility, God smiles. Obedience is always better than sacrifice because it flows from a heart that is surrendered, a heart that trusts in the God who called you and trusted you with the assignment. Obedience is an expression of your love and devotion.
Of course, you want more. We all do! You want more money, more participants, and more exposure. After all, that is the American way. But if you are honest, too often you are not careful or consistent with what is already in your hands. In a culture that loves the “big”, it’s easy to forget that God uses the little, ordinary things for God’s glory. I’ve been right there, too. It helps to remember that Jesus fed over 5,000 men with only two fish and five loaves and Gideon won a battle with just 300 men. These stories teach us that our little is much when its placed in God’s hands.
Faithfulness is not about numbers, it’s not about perfection, it’s not about popularity. Faithfulness is about stewardship – the careful, intentional use and management of every gift the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us. Your stewardship reveals your heart’s posture toward God and the things of God. So, here are three things to think about as you being to watch the little things.
Money. How you handle money is the true measure of your spiritual disposition. Check your spending. How you spend will give you a fair indication of your priorities. Are you an impulse shopper? Do you ignore your budget? Do you avoid generosity? Do you think, “When my finances are stable, I’ll be a better steward. When I make more, I’ll be generous”. The truth is if you are careless with the small amounts, you will be careless with large amounts. Can you really be generous with more if you are not generous with a little? Faithfulness to the ways of the kingdom really begins with the little things.
Ministry. Do you desire to be used by God? Do you want to lead, teach, or influence others for Christ, but only if it big? Ministry doesn’t begin on a stage or as you stand in a pulpit, ministry begins with your obedience. What you do privately matters. Do you pray when no one is looking? Are you as enthusiastic about serving behind the scenes as you are when you’re in the spotlight? Do you show up on time? Do you respect those in leadership? Do you follow through on your commitments? This too is ministry.
Ministry is built on trust. Being faithful in small, supporting roles reveals whether or not you are ready to handle larger areas of influence because God judges the heart behind the service, not the size of the platform.
Discipleship. Following Jesus rarely happens on Sunday morning. It is found in everyday faithfulness. Being gracious toward others even when you don’t feel they deserve it. Opening your Bible to read even when life seems hectic. Operating with integrity in business and relationships even when you have to take a loss. Speaking the truth in love in spite of your anger or frustration. This is some of the fruit of discipleship.
Deeper faith and spiritual maturity don’t happen overnight, it must be cultivated through small, consistent choices every day. Every tree was once just a seed, a little thing. The parable of the mustard seed illustrates what the smallest seed of faith can produce when it is cultivated. What seems ordinary and insignificant today can produce extraordinary fruit over time.
Wanting more can be a holy thing when you are aligned with God’s plans and purposes. But when you long for more while neglecting and mishandling the little you have, you are spiritually out of order. God can’t lie. Matthew 25:23 teaches this principle, faithfulness over the little allows God to trust you with more. It’s easy to feel as though you are somehow delayed and God is withholding blessings, but the fact is that God is preparing you for them. The little things reveal your priorities, your discipline, your trustworthiness and your readiness.
If you find that you haven’t be careful with the little, be gracious with yourself. We are on a journey, and our faithfulness has a learning curve. This isn’t about shame; it’s about aligning with the ways of God and positioning yourself to receive more. This can be the moment of the turnaround. Acknowledge your mistake. Start small. Be intentional. Invite God into every detail. Your faithfulness over the few is never wasted. God, who sees all and knows all, will honor and multiply your efforts. God is delighted to give you more when you’ve stewarded what you already have well.
So, watch the little things. They are the doorway to the much you’ve been praying for.
Dear Lord,
Thank you that your word is truth. You promised in Matthew 25:23 that my faithfulness over a few things will make me rule over many things. Holy Spirit, I invite you to direct my steps as I walk in faithfulness over the little things. I trust that you will open doors no man can close and work all things together for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.