The General Election is around the corner. Political parties are busy introducing their candidates and their past achievements. It is an important step before the election because how people perceive him, whether he is honest, people-minded and capable, will decide whether or not he wins the election. Suddenly, his past performance matters: The way he handled his job 15 years ago, related to his colleagues or boss in a small company, his primary school results, or even a mistake he made 20 years ago when he was a teenager can become an issue that will decide victory or loss in the election—His and for that matter, your past faithfulness matter.

Short Sightedness

Some people pick and choose what things they want to take seriously. If that thing brings them important benefits, they will work hard. If, however, that thing does not affect their pay cheque or help them gain fame and honour, they will not bother to do it faithfully. “After all,” they think (foolishly), “there is nothing to gain for being faithful in that matter.” Such an attitude so prevalent in many people simply smacks of short-sightedness. Such a person is like a classmate who often snubs another, thinking that he will never be someone important. Little does he know that this despised classmate will be his boss 30 years later.

Be Faithful in Small Things

Some people do not get to do great things. I am not referring to that you do not get to be in the limelight. You can be playing a supportive role where someone else gets the credit because of what you have done. But even though you are not in the limelight or you might even be forgotten by people, the fact remains that you have contributed in a meaningful way to the success of an important project. God has used you. What decides whether or not God uses you in a great way?

Jesus wisely says: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10). Just as a person gets a chance to be elected as a member of parliament because this person has proven himself to be faithful in lesser past matters, God will only use a person to do great things after he has proven himself faithful in small matters. This includes your Daily Devotion or Quiet Time, your attendance in Sunday Worship Service or Sunday School, your punctuality, your duties and other little things that many people may not notice. This criterion is reasonable. If you cannot pass your basic driving test, how can your father trust you to drive his car? Do not think foolishly as some do: “If something is important, I will be responsible. I am only irresponsible in unimportant matters.” This is a myth.

Hence, if you have promised before God at the beginning of the year to serve in a particular ministry, be faithful. If your mother has entrusted you a duty at home, be sure to do it well. If you do something, do not be like a lizard who sometimes runs away but leaves behind its tail. Do not leave loose ends. Finish the job with a clean cut. Do not leave a job half done. If you are responsible for something, be trustworthy. Do not be like some who always leave people wondering if he will remember to perform his duty and if he does, whether he will do a half baked job.

If you are faithful, Jesus promises you: “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” (Mat 25:23). God will use you to do great things and you will receive His eternal reward. The reward will not come from man. Man may even forget your contribution. But if you are faithful, even quietly doing your duty to God, you can be sure you will receive God’s praise and reward which last for eternity. God will use you to do great things. Hence, be faithful in small things too.