BE FAITHFUL IN THE LITTLE THINGS
If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful in the larger ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. —Luke 16:10 NLT
This is the verse of the day today and when I read it, it got me questioning exactly how faithful I am with the little things. Or to be more precise, it got me reflecting on all the areas that I know I’m lacking when it comes to being obedient in the little things.
I really struggle sometimes to keep a positive attitude, especially since I deal with lots of people every day. I feel myself growing impatient with people, and a lot of times, it seems that I can’t help it. What’s worse is that I sometimes voice those negative thoughts. I feel convicted of it, knowing that we are to give grace to others and that my complaining is sinful, yet I can’t seem to help it. Later, I end up feeling guilty for not keeping my irritability in check, and for thinking the things I do. It’s an ugly cycle that keeps repeating.
I know I’m not alone in this. Everyone has something that they struggle with, whether it’s a big thing or a small one. Even the apostle Paul struggled, writing that he continued to do the thing he wished not to do. We don’t know what Paul struggled with, but knowing that even he struggled helps to assuage my guilt and reminds me that no one is perfect except Jesus. He is the only one who’s ever walked this earth and not sinned.
I am grateful for the grace God gives us, and so thankful that He forgives us, even when we continue to screw up, even by repeating the same offense again and again, but I continue to strive for obedience, because I know that my attempts make Him proud. And I feel that the trying counts, too.
So, if you find yourself falling short, don’t beat yourself up. God understands and forgives. Dust yourself off and try again. We excel at nothing without failing first. And God knows your heart. If you are earnestly trying to please Him, He knows that. He sees us for who we are, not for the mistakes we’ve made. ♥︎
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” —Romans 3:23-24 NIV
This is the verse of the day today and when I read it, it got me questioning exactly how faithful I am with the little things. Or to be more precise, it got me reflecting on all the areas that I know I’m lacking when it comes to being obedient in the little things.
I really struggle sometimes to keep a positive attitude, especially since I deal with lots of people every day. I feel myself growing impatient with people, and a lot of times, it seems that I can’t help it. What’s worse is that I sometimes voice those negative thoughts. I feel convicted of it, knowing that we are to give grace to others and that my complaining is sinful, yet I can’t seem to help it. Later, I end up feeling guilty for not keeping my irritability in check, and for thinking the things I do. It’s an ugly cycle that keeps repeating.
I know I’m not alone in this. Everyone has something that they struggle with, whether it’s a big thing or a small one. Even the apostle Paul struggled, writing that he continued to do the thing he wished not to do. We don’t know what Paul struggled with, but knowing that even he struggled helps to assuage my guilt and reminds me that no one is perfect except Jesus. He is the only one who’s ever walked this earth and not sinned.
I am grateful for the grace God gives us, and so thankful that He forgives us, even when we continue to screw up, even by repeating the same offense again and again, but I continue to strive for obedience, because I know that my attempts make Him proud. And I feel that the trying counts, too.
So, if you find yourself falling short, don’t beat yourself up. God understands and forgives. Dust yourself off and try again. We excel at nothing without failing first. And God knows your heart. If you are earnestly trying to please Him, He knows that. He sees us for who we are, not for the mistakes we’ve made. ♥︎
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” —Romans 3:23-24 NIV
