Faithful

Jesus says in one of the parables: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21).

Sometimes we find it difficult to be faithful in the small things. We yearn for “great” service, tangible evidence of our faith. We mistakenly think we must achieve something big and glorious for God. The impulse to do something immense for the Lord is a good one but it can often stem from our pride! For we too often fail to remember that all that we have – all that we are – comes from Him!

The Psalmist reminds us of the Lord:

I will not accept a bull from your house
    or goats from your folds.
For every beast of the forest is mine,
    the cattle on a thousand hills. ~ Psalm 50:9-10

The Lord does not need us or our work; instead, we need Him! He requires, not jumping through hoops or showy displays but rather faithful stewardship of what he has given us. He even knows that we will fail him and yet he is not harsh with us:

As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust. ~ Psalm 103:13-14

God asks us to be faithful in what He has wisely placed within our hands whether it seems great or small. Think of the widow in Zarephath who made a loaf of bread for a prophet. Think of the small boy who offered his lunch of two loaves and five fish. Think of the woman who washed the feet of the Savior with her hair.

The small actions of faith may seem weak in human terms – but they demonstrate the might of the God we serve. May we each be faithful in what he has given us today.

Photo by Andrea Natali on Unsplash