Jesus says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10). He implies that all of us are being continually tested in little things. If a child can’t be trusted to spend his father’s money and return the change, neither can he be trusted to stay overnight alone at a friend’s house. But if he can be trusted to clean his room and take out the garbage, he can be trusted with a dog or a bike.

This principle invalidates all of our “if onlys,” such as, “If only I made more money, I’d help the poor,” or, “If only I had a million dollars, then I’d give it to my church or missions.” If I’m dishonest or selfish in my use of a few dollars, I would be dishonest or selfish in my use of a million dollars. The issue is not what I would do with a million dollars if I had it, but what I am doing with the hundred thousand, ten thousand, one thousand, one hundred, or ten dollars I do have. If we are not being faithful with what he has entrusted to us, why should He trust us with any more?

This thought raises a sobering question: What opportunities are we currently missing because we’ve failed to use our money and our lives wisely in light of eternity?

God pays a great deal of attention to the “little things.” He numbers the hairs on our heads, cares for the lilies of the field, and is concerned with the fall of a single sparrow (Matthew 10:29). What we do with a little time, a little talent, and a little money tells God a lot. The little things are a major factor as he considers whether to commend and promote us—or reprimand and demote us—in His kingdom corporation.

Excerpted from Randy’s book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, which is also available on audio, read by Randy.

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