Little Things

"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."
              --Jesus of Nazareth, Luke 16:10

We must always be mindful of our roles as stewards in this life. Everything that we have is a gift from God, including trials (James 1:2-4, Rom. 5:3-5), and we are responsible for how it is used. What Jesus teaches us here is that even the 'small' things in our lives, that is, the supposedly insignificant and immaterial things, are of great importance because they reflect the true nature of our character.

Who we are as managers is reflected not only in the great things--family, worship, career--but in the day to day actions that we perform or fail to perform. Notice that Jesus makes the distinction between the one who is faithful and the one who is unrighteous. That means that this is not merely the difference between levels of maturity or wisdom, but the difference between being a righteous and faithful son of God or an unrighteous and unfaithful son of the Devil. The difference between the two characters that Jesus talks about is the difference between God and Satan, Heaven and Hell, obedience and rebellion.

In light of this, we must examine our lives thoroughly in the light of Scripture. Mercifully, God has given us an infallible source of wisdom to guide us so that we can know Him and live in right relationship with Him. We must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), serve the will of God (1 Peter 4:2), and live for Him who died and rose again on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:14). We must be mindful of even the 'small' things in the eyes of the world, knowing that our personal character is manifest in every action that we do. When we see our own failure we must respond in repentance and faith, trusting that God designed to save real sinners for His glory. This is how we can walk as God's children.

This lesson is especially true in the context of a seminary, for there are many opportunities for students (and professors!) to be faithful or unfaithful in 'small' duties--quizzes, reading, study, papers, grading--the list goes on! Guard against unrighteous living in every regard.



--Dean of Admissions


"Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."
        --the apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 4:16