Little things matter Week 39, 2016

This is not an invitation to major on minors but to recognise the importance and significance of little things. Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones. If, then, you have not been faithful in handling worldly wealth, how can you be trusted with true wealth? Lk 16:10-11.  This passage has to do with money, and faithfulness to it. The way money is handled is a very key indicator of character. Money sex and ego are testing areas to anyone. If you send a person to the market and the person brings back no balance it is an indication of the character. You think it is a small matter? It is not right for you to be proud! You know the saying, "A little bit of yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise”1Cor 5:6. I read in "The happiest people on earth" of how a client left excess balance with Demos Shakarian's father in their time of poverty as he sold news papers. Upon realising it he shouted after the man, ran, and finally spent money to catch up with the man and return the excess even though they lacked food at home. Some might have kept back the excess and given a testimony of how God had miraculously provided. Some would have said “Why bother to run after him? It’s a little thing.” Little things matter. 

Have you noticed some so called “little lies” that are told? Signing in 8.00am when you actually came later. “I am coming.” when actually you are going. “I am not in” when actually you don't want to see anybody. Why not just say “I shall return soon” “I am not disposed to see anyone now”? What of lies told on the telephone? Saying you are in a location when you are not there. A common way of retiring government money is with receipts. You know so many tell lies with the receipt putting in false claims. A cabman was asked for a receipt and he just gave an empty receipt. The brother requested him fill it accurately. O how many times have you been to market and the trader asks “What do you want me to put on the receipt?” Someone has wondered why a trader or anyone else would assist an individual steal from government. Brother little things matter!

A little foolishness can spoil all your work. Dead flies can make a whole bottle of perfume stink, and a little stupidity can cancel out the greatest wisdom Ecc 10:1. You have finished writing an exam then instead of stopping when you are asked you continue and then you have more marks deducted than you were struggling for. Or you don’t know a few numbers and instead of letting go you cheat and then loose everything. Sadly people remember the folly more than the good works. Once very small bits of foam struck a space shuttle when it took off; it was adjudged a little thing. It became the point where the vessel was damaged. The shuttle never returned her passengers; it burnt upon re-entry. Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that destroy the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom Song 2:15.  Little foxes ruin the vineyard. A little thing as not locking the door when meeting a female other than your wife during counselling matters.