“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.”
– Luke 16:10 (ESV)

“Coach, how can I get more playing time?” Now for some coaches, that question is like throwing gasoline on a smoldering fire. As they get in your face, the heat coming out their mouths will likely singe your eyebrows. For others, it might be a calm, well thought out explanation about the athlete’s lack of production or a motivational talk about being ready when the opportunity comes. As I gained experience, that question became less confrontational. Coaches get to watch and listen to their athletes every day. While an athlete’s production will always be a key component of playing time, there are many other aspects that go into that decision. How many practices have they missed? How often do they show up late or unprepared? Do they encourage or just complain? Do they give maximum effort or are they always looking for a shortcut? As coaches observe their athletes in practice each day, those questions are being answered loud and clear. If I have a spot to fill on my lineup card and there are two players of equal ability to select from, I’m going to choose the player that answers those questions in a positive way. Why? Because they have been faithful in not only the big things, but the small ones as well.

The world often teaches that the only thing that matters is the result. Earn as much money as you can, climb the career ladder as fast as you can, drive the most expensive car you can, live in the biggest house you can. Without a doubt production is important, but the Bible says God is looking at so much more. No matter what it is we are doing, our Heavenly Father cares most about our integrity and our heart. There is nothing wrong with having money, driving a nice car and living in a big house, but how did we get those things? Did we have to hurt people to get them? Did we have to lie and cheat to get them? Did we have to give up our marriage in order to get them? If I need to have my car repaired and I have two identical quotes, how do I decide who to give the job to? I’ll probably check out their credibility. Do they complete the work on time? Do they talk customers into having needless repairs done? Do they take shortcuts? I’m going to choose the business that answers those questions in a positive way. Why? Because they have been faithful in not only the big things, but the small ones as well.

Lord, help me to be faithful in both the big things and the little things today. Mold me into a person of integrity and heart. Amen.