We have to make tough decisions as stewards of our time.
We always want to do more than we could possibly fit into a 24 hour period, which means that we’ve got to carefully allocate our time. We must prioritize.
This needs to be done in relation to our goals so that we are spending our time in the most effective manner possible. We may have to revamp some of our goals. We may need to abandon or postpone some.
But we have to be very careful with this.
I know, for me, it’s easy to concentrate on the bright and shiny goals: the ones that really get me amped up. You know – the big goals. And if I’m honest, those are often the ones that bring the most glory to me personally.
It’s always the next big ministry. The career path that’s going to set my life on fire. The sermon or the lesson in front of that large, influential group.
The less glamorous ministries take a back seat. One-on-one discipleship may get bumped. Other areas of my life such as family, exercise, or personal devotions are postponed “until tomorrow.”
Faithful In Little
But these little matters are anything but little to God.
Luke 16:10
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.
Matthew 25:21
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
If I neglect a small area of my life that I know God wants me to steward well, can I truly say I’m chasing his glory and not mine? Am I evaluating a particular effort based on what I can get from it? Or am I conscious of the stewardships that have been given to me by God himself?
How can I pray for God’s blessings on certain areas of stewardship when I’m being a disobedient and poor steward in other areas?
What does my lack of faithfulness reveal about my relationship with God? Am I truly making him the Lord over all my life?
A Man of Character
He’s set me as a steward of my physical body.
He’s given me a family to steward.
He’s given me friends and relationships.
It’s not that neglect in these will suddenly cause God not to trust me. It’s not like he’s reviewing a resume before giving me a job offer.
Instead, a lack of faithfulness in the small things reveals a character flaw of mine. I’m the type of person that is not worthy of being entrusted with larger areas of influence. I’m the type of person that evaluates opportunities based on my glory instead of being faithful to God.
I don’t want to be like that.
I pray for the wisdom to see the areas where God wants me to be faithful, and I pray for strength to be fully obedient in all of those areas.
Take a moment and think. Are there any areas of your life that you’ve been neglecting? How can you alter your schedule to allow for obedience in this area?
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. However, this doesn’t affect what I write about, what I choose to say, or what I recommend. Learn more here.