Wednesday, March 18, 2009 ~ Little Things Matter

“Though you may not manage large amounts of money or be in a position to commit a massive fraud, reject the tendency to think you can avoid the consequences of your actions…

never give up your integrity” – Character First!

When I read that I was reminded of the story of the servant with the ten talents.  Because he was faithful with some money, he was trusted to manage many things. The servant who faithfully managed a little less money was also worthy of larger amounts to administer, where the man who hastily put his little bit of money in the ground was “thrown outside, into the darkness, where there [was] weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mathew 25:30b) I imagine the first two servants already had a reputation of honesty, diligence and faithfulness.  The master had faith in them that they would do the job properly.

Heavenly Treasures

When we die, the only thing in our suitcases will be our integrity; our Character; our morals.  When we became a Christian, Jesus opened up a new bank account, and deposited an inheritance that can never be stolen.  It’s up to us on earth to add treasures into our heavenly bank account… or not.  Our integrity might not always be appreciated on earth, but it sure means a lot to God.  The only way for our heavenly income to increase is to build it up on earth, because once we die, our chances are gone forever.  Honesty is a code to live by; it’s not an arbitrary decision we make on a daily basis, but a life commitment to do what is right.  When we choose to do what is right, no matter how difficult the day-to-day choices are, we are adding up treasures in heaven that cannot be taken out.

Faithfulness With What You Have

In Luke 16:20, Jesus stated, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”  Everything we have in life is a test – from the weather to disappointments to our possessions.  God knows what we are capable of looking after, but it’s up to us to faithfully look after it.  The servant with one talent was just as capable of making that little bit of money into something as the fist man was of the ten talents; the only difference was that the third man let his fear get the better of his ability to be dependable.  Whatever we are given, no matter how small, should be used both carefully and to its best capacity.  “Whatever” includes:

-          Our Relationship with God

-          Relationships with people

-          Personality

-          Time

-          Choices

-          Possessions

-          Talents**

How we use what we have now, no matter how small, will later have a big impact for the better or the worse.  If we are consistent and reliable in little, ‘unnoticeable’ things, then we’ve passed the test to the great things God has in store for us.  As you make your choices today, don’t lose your integrity, your faithfulness and your discretion.

List from Money Matters to Teens

Friday, March 27, 2009 ~ Untitled Comment