If God gave me something great – whatever we imagine to be great; whether it be a wife or a husband, a lot of money, a house, or a position in the Church or at work –, then I would give it my best! We may have said this before or thought it. I would be ready for more. I would love to serve God with something significant.
But Jesus draws our attention to an important connection. In Luke 16:10, he says, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
Jesus is referring to the principle of faithfulness here. And He makes it clear that faithfulness does not begin with big, admirable tasks. It begins with the small things, in the hidden places, in everyday life.
The very little things are the small moments in our lives that seem insignificant: how we handle our money, how we talk about people when they are not present, how we manage our time, whether we keep our promises, whether we pray, whether we keep the temple of our body clean. It is often the inconspicuous decisions that say a lot about our character.
God does not look at the outward size of a task, but at the attitude of the heart with which we approach it. The question isn’t: How great is what we do? But rather, are we faithful in it? Jesus says that our behavior in small things reflects our inner state.
Those who are unjust in small things, that is, careless, complacent, dishonest, will also be so in big things. Conversely, those who prove themselves faithful in small things show that they are also ready for greater responsibility.
In Luke 19:17, Jesus emphasizes this principle again. In the parable of the talents, the Lord says to his servant: “… ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’”
In Matthew 25:21, Jesus also calls out to the faithful servant in the parable: “… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
This means that being faithful in small things is not insignificant, but preparation – the door to greater blessings, greater responsibility, and greater impact. God tests our hearts through small things. They are not unimportant; they are crucial.
This is also evident in Proverbs 28:20, which says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” Faithfulness bears fruit in the long run. On the other hand, those who are only interested in quick profits or outward success are easily tempted. God honors the faithful heart.
But we live in a world where often only the big things count – big projects, big visibility. However, in God’s Kingdom, things work differently. There, it is not size alone that matters, but character. Not influence, but integrity. Not applause, but faithfulness.
Paul also addresses this topic. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, he writes: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
When God entrusts people with tasks, reliability is His most important criterion. It is not how spectacularly someone acts, but how faithfully they use and pass on what has been entrusted to them.
That is why it is dangerous to say: Once I am given a big task, I will take it seriously. Because our behavior in small things will be repeated in big things. Those who are careless, imprecise or complacent today will be so tomorrow, only with greater responsibility and greater impact.
If we want to serve God, it starts today with small decisions. Am I reliable in my everyday life? Am I honest in small things, friendly to people? Romans 12:18 says: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Faithfulness is also shown in not giving up when immediate results are not visible. Paul encourages Christians in Galatians 6:9 with the words: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
This means that there will be a harvest, but it will come later. Faithfulness is the way to get there.
We should also serve God in our everyday lives and at work. Paul writes in Colossians 3:23-24:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
This shows that when we go to work in the morning and do our best, remain honest, and take responsibility, we honor God.
God sees into our hearts. Psalm 101:6 says:
“My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.”
God is looking for faithful Christians; people He can rely on, who serve with dedication in small tasks.
An example of such a person is Hanani in Nehemiah 7:2: “[T]hat I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.”
That is why Nehemiah appointed him over Jerusalem; not because he was the most talented person, but because he was a faithful man.
Finally, the book of Revelation describes a great promise from God to faithful people. In Revelation 2:10, we read: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” What a promise! Faithfulness has eternal value. Those who remain faithful to God, even in difficult times, in trials, in seemingly unimportant situations, will ultimately be rewarded by God Himself.
All these Bible passages show that faithfulness in small things is not a side issue. It is crucial for our spiritual growth, for our witness, for our calling. God does not call us first to do great things, but He wants us to follow Him faithfully, day after day.
And it is there, in faithfulness to the little things, that the way opens up for what God has in store for us.
Faithfulness in small things is so important because it reveals our heart and character. Those who are faithful in small things—such as in their use of money, time, words, or a promise—prove that they are also ready for greater tasks.
Great deeds impress people. But faithfulness in small things impresses God.
Lead Writer: Christoph Sperzel (Germany)
Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger