If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10
One thing I’ve learned in my Christian walk is this: the little things matter.
While teaching me His way, I find very often that God presses in on the little things in my life. It’s easy to imagine that God is interested in the very big things – the life altering choices and the great moves of courage. But I’m learning that each decision I make is tied directly to those things.
The “little things” are easily hidden and often cannot be seen by those around us. Even when they are, we laugh them off, calling them our little vices or saying something like, “That’s just me.”
- a little fudging on the taxes
- stiffing the waiter their tip
- forgetting an item on your cart until you get to the car at the grocery and then keeping it, maybe even considering it a lucky break
- telling that little lie or breaking that confidence
- skipping out on a responsibility that you agreed to handle
…these are just a few
Neglecting the “little things” can create bigger problems. In fact, when we consistently ignore the little things we uncover a greater issue of the heart. The “little things” point to an area not surrendered to God’s control. Frankly, it’s sin.
James 4:17 says, Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
I remember when Hudson was probably 9 years old. We traveled full-time and spent hours upon hours on the road. Hudson had saved up money from Christmas and his birthday and any other opportunity to make a few dollars to buy an iPad.
When his iPad arrived, I set up his account, security settings and parental controls. Then, together, we downloaded some apps. He watched over my shoulder as I perused the APP store and he saw so much fun to be had. After making our selections, he was all set to go.
About a month later, I received an e-mail from the APP store with an invoice for $82.00. I thought, this must be some mistake. There’s no way this can be right. I went to the website to find the itemized list and saw that over the past 30 days Hudson had been downloading APPS left and right. He knew the apps cost money, but when no one seemed to notice after the first download, he thought we wouldn’t find out.
I remember as if it were yesterday sitting down with him, trying to hold back my shock and disappointment at an $82.00 bill. What was more important than the money to me was the fact that he had been dishonest.
I talked with Hudson about his dishonesty. I told him it was sin and it hurt the heart of God and me. He cried. Probably in part for being caught but also for the wrong he’d done. He knew right away that the choices he had made were wrong. After his apology to me and to God, we discussed the importance of honesty and doing what’s right even when it seems like no one is watching or no one will get hurt.
You know, God is interested in the little things. In fact, He often grows our character in the small or hidden ways we obey. Those times when we have no audience but Him. We would be fools to believe that the little things don’t matter. They matter to God.
He often grows our character in the small or hidden ways we obey.
How about you? Have you neglected the little things? The next time you are tempted to smooth over a little sin or explain it away, ask yourself, “What would please God in this moment? What do I know is the right thing to do?” And then DO IT! Don’t delay.
DO IT! Don’t delay.
As you see God shaping your heart through these “little things” you will find a sense of joy when you do what is right, knowing it brings Him delight. Also, in those moments where no one’s watching, God is shaping His character in you.
Let’s be conscious today of those “little things” and before explaining them away or mindlessly giving in, let’s use those opportunities to do what is right. After all, the little things matter to God.
