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Luke 16:10 - Whoever Is Faithful In Little Things Will Be Faithful In Large Ones.

Luke 16:10 (NLT) 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.

COMMENTARY PEARLS

   "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." Luke 16:10. The importance of the little things is often underrated because they are small; but they supply much of the actual discipline of life. There are really no nonessentials in the Christian's life. Our character building will be full of peril while we underrate the importance of the little things.  
   "He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." By unfaithfulness in even the smallest duties, man robs his Maker of the service which is His due. This unfaithfulness reacts upon himself. He fails of gaining the grace, the power, the force of character, which may be received through an unreserved surrender to God. Living apart from Christ he is subject to Satan's temptations, and he makes mistakes in his work for the Master. Because he is not guided by right principles in little things, he fails to obey God in the great matters which he regards as his special work. The defects cherished in dealing with life's minor details pass into more important affairs. He acts on the principles to which he has accustomed himself. Thus actions repeated form habits, habits form character, and by the character our destiny for time and for eternity is decided.  {COL 356.2}  

There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. By adherence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life, the mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims of duty above those of pleasure and inclination. Minds thus disciplined are not wavering between right and wrong, like the reed trembling in the wind; they are loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity and truth. By faithfulness in that which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters. The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime and must be the result of diligent and persevering effort. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them. PP 222-223

None can know what may be God's purpose in His discipline; but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities. Every act of life is a revelation of character, and he only who in small duties proves himself "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" can be honored by God with higher service. 2 Timothy 2:15. PK 218

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

   Zane and I stopped at the grocery store to grab a few items. "Do you mind if I stay in the car?" I asked. Because I've done most of the grocery shopping over the past thirty-four years of our marriage, this has become one of my least favorite errands. It's a necessary task, but it feels insignificant. I'd much rather be doing great things for Jesus than deciding what type of pasta noodles to purchase.
   As an empty nester, I expected this stage of my life would be filled with big adventures. But most days, I still need to do the ordinary daily duties: washing dishes, folding laundry, and keeping our pantry supplied. That afternoon, I was reading my Bible and came across the parable where Jesus talked about the dishonest manager. "One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much. . ." This spoke to me as I was losing my motivation to be faithful in the little things, like going to the grocery store and buying nourishing food for us. According to Jesus's words, if I persevere in doing what feels meaningless to me - the little things - I will build faithfulness. And faithfulness is a character trait Jesus commends.
   Some days are full of adventure and meaningful ministry, but most days are ordinary. Today, I'm more motivated to do the little things, knowing this is building something bigger in my soul. Jeannie Blackmer
   Faith Step: What ordinary task is challenging for you? Read Luke 16:1-13 and ponder Jesus's words. How does doing your ordinary task build your faithfulness? [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Luke 16:10 - Whoever Is Faithful In Little Things Will Be Faithful In Big Things.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191010-0910.html

Luke 16:10 - Whoever Is Unfaithful In Little Things Will Be Unfaithful In Larger Ones.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100414-1105.html

Matthew 25:21 - Keys In Using Our Talents.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210619-1020.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

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