Little and Much // Luke 16:10

Today’s verse is from a teaching of Jesus when He told the parable of the Shrewd Manager: “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.” I have heard this referred to as the principle of little and much. This is something used in parenting, school, learning a job, wealth management, and a myriad of other aspects in life. The idea is we learn responsibility with small things, experience promotion to bigger things, and eventually find more responsibility until mastery. I know people who were given small responsibilities, found themselves feeling insulted as a result, so did not try their best. After a brief period of time, they came back asking for more, but the poor performance in the little things only conveyed they could not be trusted with bigger responsibilities. Ouch. This is something we see over and over again in life. It might sting to hear it — especially if we feel we are worth more in that moment — but it doesn’t change the fact that we must prove ourselves, earn the promotion we seek, and continue to work wisely. There is a method in the madness and valuable lessons to learn in the meantime, even if that lesson is humility. I want to leave you with this invaluable nugget of wisdom from 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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