“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21 NIV)

A major part of God’s plan and purpose for our lives is that we are faithful in the day-to-day responsibilities He entrusts to us… the little things of life.

The above verse comes from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where a master entrusted his money to his servants before embarking on a long trip. When he returned, he rewarded the two staff who had invested the money, but rebuked and punished the servant who had not made the most of what he had been given.

Just like the master in this parable, God gives us precious things, resources and relationships. He expects us to be faithful in employing them to further his kingdom.

It would be a mistake to think that we should abandon our current obligations in pursuit of some ‘higher calling’ for God. Our Father wants us to honour what we have now, because this will establish a “foundation of faithfulness” for more to be entrusted to us. If we waste time wishing for more, we won’t look after what we have already. As the master in the above parable told his servant, “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:21 NIV).

We have many opportunities to prove our faithfulness before God each day; driving within the speed limit, getting to church on time, showing love to our neighbours, taking our children to the park, having a daily quiet time, eating sensibly, listening to our spouse, exercising, getting enough sleep, tithing, showing love to family members, honouring our word, fixing things around the house in a timely manner, using our words to encourage not tear down, and yes, even being courteous to those wonderful cold-callers!

As we take those day-to-day responsibilities seriously, we can remember that by doing so, we are honouring God and setting a foundation of obedience.

What are some ways that you can be faithful with those little things what God has already entrusted to you today?