Faithful in Little Things in the New Year

“There are many people who can do big things,

but there are very few people who will do the small things.”

–Mother Teresa

As the New Year is underway, I am reminded of Mother Teresa’s words. How true they are! I am always ready to take on challenging new tasks and serve in great ways. Great accomplishments receive recognition and honor. Of course we want God to be praised through what we have done, yet we know that we almost always get bit of the recognition and praise ourselves. That feels so good and feeds our ego.

Faithfulness to little things, to the contrary, is generally overlooked. We do not feel like we have accomplished much. Others seldom notice, let alone give recognition. That, I believe, is at the heart of the issue: being attentive to the little ways of serving has no reward . . .

No reward, that is, until we leave behind our worldly way of thinking. When we begin to see with spiritual eyes, we find a different picture. Little things count. “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much,” states our Lord in Luke 16:10, “and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” The little things reveal our true inner attitude.

Moreover, little things affect other people. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The little acts of kindness count. The extra mile—when no one is there to see—is indeed seen by the Lord. Others may not recognize our faithfulness, but God does. Sometimes those we serve do not even appreciate it, but Jesus does!

This year I want to walk in vibrant faithfulness—faithfulness in fulfilling daily responsibilities, in serving others, in honoring the Lord even when no one seems to notice. Whatever I have done for the least of the people in my life, I have ultimately done for Jesus!

© Glenn E. Myers