Faithful in a Little

As we close our week of thinking about the power of patient influence in leadership, Howard's advice is worth keeping in mind for those of us who may not find ourselves in a leadership position yet, but who want to cultivate the skills we will need when we get there.

It's easy to get excited about the project that everyone else thinks is important. Landing high profile opportunities is the fastest way to get ahead, right? But all the opportunities in the world are useless if you aren't equipped to handle them, and the best way to do so is by faithfully and responsibly working on even the smallest or most undesirable jobs.

And you know what? Even if doing the work no one else wants to do doesn't get you on the fast track to promotion, it is part of something even more important. Being faithful in our work, even if it means getting our hands dirty, glorifies the God who created us. After all, no job is too small or humble for Him.

Want to hear more? You can find this and dozens more videos over at the High Calling YouTube Channel.

Was there work no one else wanted? People said, "Give it to Janet!" Around the office, in fact, "Janet!" was practically a catch phrase for the small stuff. You’d think she’d hate it. But what got passed to Janet stayed with Janet. And it got done.

After a while, coworkers heard "Give it to Janet" coming from managers at higher and higher levels. Then along came a position that everyone wanted—and guess what senior management said? Give it to Janet.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. As it turns out, almost every leader begins as a follower. The person eventually in charge of big things starts out as the person able and willing to do the small things—in the high calling of our daily work.

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."

-1 Samuel 16:10-12