Faithfulness in the Small Things

In Luke 16:10–12, Jesus teaches a timeless principle about the importance of small moral choices:

““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. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10–12, ESV)

This passage offers profound insight into how the smallest decisions reveal the state of our hearts. Whether it’s handling material possessions, relationships, or spiritual responsibilities, our consistency in small matters builds the foundation for trustworthiness in greater things.

The Principle of Faithfulness

Faithfulness doesn’t happen by accident—it is the result of a heart aligned with God. One writier notes, “What one does with the small things of life one does also in the big things.”¹ Life is not a series of disconnected moments; it is a unity. Our integrity in the small decisions reflects how we will act when faced with larger responsibilities.

Jesus’ parable in Luke 16 emphasizes this principle. The steward, tasked with managing his master’s wealth, acted selfishly, forgetting that he was not the owner but a caretaker. Similarly, we are stewards of the resources, time, and opportunities that God has entrusted to us. Faithfulness begins when we recognize our role and act accordingly.

Stewardship as a Reflection of Values

Stewardship goes beyond material wealth. It includes our time, abilities, and the gospel itself. Everything we have is a trust from God, meant to be used for His purposes.

• Material Wealth: How we handle money reveals our priorities. Jesus calls wealth “unrighteous” (Luke 16:11) not because money itself is evil but because its misuse can corrupt. Faithful stewardship sanctifies material resources for eternal purposes.

• Time: Paul exhorts believers to “redeem the time” (Eph. 5:15–17), treating each moment as an opportunity to glorify God.

• Abilities: Peter reminds us to use our gifts to serve others as good stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10).

• The Gospel: God has entrusted us with His truth (2 Cor. 4:7), calling us to guard it faithfully and share it generously

These areas of stewardship are interconnected, and our faithfulness in one influences our faithfulness in the others.

Integrity and Devotion

Jesus’ warning in Luke 16:13 is clear: “No servant can serve two masters.” Divided loyalty is not an option. If God is our Master, then money and resources become tools for His glory. But if we allow material wealth to control us, it becomes a terrible master, leading us to squander our lives instead of investing them in eternal things.

Integrity demands that we view all of life through the lens of faithfulness. As another observes, “The way you use your possessions on earth shows whether you can be trusted with spiritual wealth.”² Faithfulness is not merely about action—it reflects the character of a life wholly devoted to God.

Faithfulness in Practice

So, how do we cultivate faithfulness in the small things? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Examine Daily Habits: Are you consistently honest in minor matters, like how you manage time, fulfill promises, or handle resources?

2. Reevaluate Priorities: Reflect on how you’re using your time, talents, and finances. Are they aligned with God’s purposes?

3. Start Small: Identify one specific area where you can practice greater faithfulness this week. Small acts of integrity, done consistently, build a strong foundation.

Faithfulness in the little things doesn’t just build trust—it has eternal significance. Jesus commends the wise steward, not for his dishonesty, but for using his resources to prepare for the future. Wiersbe reminds us that when we invest our lives in God’s work, we leave a legacy that echoes into eternity.

Each small act of faithfulness is a step toward becoming the trustworthy stewards God calls us to be. Let us remember that every moment, every decision, and every resource is an opportunity to reflect God’s faithfulness in our lives.

~PW 🌮🛶‌

1. Morris, L. (1988). Luke: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 3, p. 267). InterVarsity Press. ↩︎
2. France, R. T. (2013). Luke (M. L. Strauss & J. H. Walton, Eds.; p. 262). Baker Books. ↩︎