Be faithful in the little things

When I’ve talked with church planters over the years, they always begin with a flurry of enthusiasm and excitement, but sooner or later it comes down to just plain endurance just sticking it out.  But it’s not only true of starting a church, it’s true in other areas of life as well. 

Take marriage, for example.  There was a man who was bragging to his wife about how much he loved her.  He proudly proclaimed that he would even die for her.  “That won’t be necessary,” she responded, unimpressed, “just pick up that towel and help me with these dishes.”  Few of us will be required to lay down our life for another person, but all of us are required to do the everyday things with consistency.  For the first few weeks or months, marriage is able to function on the fuel of romantic feelings, but sooner or later we come to the realization that marriage is not only about enjoying, but also enduring.  I do not mean that marriage is a drag, but it is not one continual high, perpetually warm fuzzy feeling.

By the final week of Jesus’ life, the disciples had spent a great deal of time with the Savior, but the honeymoon period was about to come to a close.  Even in those final days, the expectations of the disciples were unrealistic.  They had hoped for a spectacular demonstration by our Lord which would finally convince the nation of Israel once and for all that He was their Messiah.  They had hoped for the kingdom to be established and for positions of power and prominence in His regime.  The triumphal entry even seemed to elevate their expectations and excitement.

In John chapter 15, our Lord brought before the eleven the realities of the future.  He would not be heralded as Israel’s king, but hated.  They, too, would soon experience the hostility of an unbelieving nation.  This should come as no shock – Christ’s rejection had been prophesied centuries before.  Nevertheless, our Lord gave instructions concerning how His disciples could maintain fellowship and fruitfulness in the difficult days which lay before them.  The nature of the relationship between Christ and His followers is one of consistency in the little things – being obedient to God in the seemingly smallest areas of your life.  In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a little is faithful in much.”  

Be faithful in the little things.  Never tired of seemingly routine obedience to God.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com