Faithfulness in Small Things

"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!'"

Matthew 25:21

In this familiar parable, the master praises his servant for being “faithful in handling this small amount” (v. 21). Literally, the Greek reads, “You were faithful over few things” or “small things.” Because of such exemplary faithfulness, the master rewards the faithful servant by giving him greater resources and responsibilities.

Sometimes it’s hard to be faithful over few things. If we’re given important assignments, we’re apt to try our hardest. But when our tasks seem piddling, or when what we’re doing promises to go unnoticed, we easily lose heart. This is true in all of life, including our daily work. We see some Christians making a big difference in the world and figure that our contribution won’t amount to much. Thus we’re tempted to stop living for the Lord. How will caring for my colleague matter? Why should I make doubly sure my expense account is accurately reported when nobody will ever know?

We are called to be faithful in every aspect of life, even in things that seem not to matter. Often, this apparently trivial faithfulness is preparing us for greater things in the future. As we use well the opportunities and talents God entrusts to us, he will give us even more.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: When are you tempted to be less than fully faithful? Do you sometimes devalue your labors for the Lord? What helps you to be faithful even in small things?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I want to serve you with all that I am, to devote my whole life to you. But there are times when my tasks seem so unimportant. I wonder if what I do really matters. I’m tempted to cut corners or even to fail to do what has been given to me. Forgive me, Lord, when I am a poor steward of your gifts.

Help me to see my life as filled with opportunities for serving you. Whether the task before me seems big or small, may I do it with faithfulness, knowing that you see everything. May I be a faithful servant, honoring you in all I do. In your time and according to your wisdom, give me even greater opportunities to make a difference for your kingdom. Amen.