2.7.10 "Why be Faithful in Small Things"

"Why be Faithful in Small Things"

Exodus 26:1-27:21
Matthew 25:1-30
Psalm 31:1-8
Proverbs 8:1-11

In December of 2004 the choir was preparing for the musical outreach. As usual, I had about three pages of notes of things that need tweaking. There was everything from keeping quiet in the hallways, to set movement, and how lines were said. I paused for a moment to look at the list. I thought, "Is this stuff really that important?" I felt the Lord speak to my heart. "it is because I have big plans." For the rest of that musical we all encouraged each other with these words: "Why be faithful in small things? Because God has BIG plans!"

This is something that needs to get in the heart of every believer. It aligns with the "Responsibility" principle of Active Ministry Involvement.

Today's reading is the story of the Master who went on a journey and entrusted money to his servants. One received $5000 (5 talents), one $2000, and one $1000. (The talent is actually a monetary unit valued at about $1000).

You know the story. Each was given according to his ability. You know who was faithful and who wasn't. Verse 16 says, "the man who received the $5000 began immediately to buy and sell with it and soon earned another $5000." Listen to what the Master says in verse 21. "His master praised him for good work. 'you have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, 'so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.'" He was faithful in small things, equipping him for God's big plans.

One thing that stands out in the Living Bible is the statement of the "wicked" servant who only received the one. he said, "Sir, I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid you would rob me of what I earned, so I hid your money in the earth and here it is!" (verse 25)

Notice how he speaks of the money as his own. He's connected to it. This is something we must guard against. It's in our human nature to hoard all we can, but we must realize that ALL that we have belongs to God.

I'm going to jump a different direction here. Sometimes what we've been given isn't even $1000 dollars. Sometimes it can even be a painful experience. Sometimes it's an unimaginable heartache. Now the same question is asked. "What did you do with what I gave you?"

The enemy wants to take hurt and use it to destroy us. He wants us to bury it in the ground of bitterness and despair so that when the Master returns we will be found lacking.

No matter how small or great the hurt, when put in the hands of God, there is great return. When the most horrible of circumstances occurs, it is still possible to put that to work for God's glory. Oh, it isn't easy. There is a dying to self that will go deeper than anything ever has. It will go to the very core. Our flesh wants to react like the wicked servant. "Look what you've done to me!!!" The sentiments are self-centered. The hurts are real, but they don't have to be ours. He bore our griefs. Carried our sorrows. They are all upon Him.

When we learn the lessons of faithfulness in ALL things, the Master will return to see what has been done. We want him to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".

What are you holding in your hand? Is it blessing, talent, joy, sorrow, pain, hurt? Whatever it is, God asks that you be faithful. He has big plans.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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