Happy New Year, church! As we know all too well, each New Year brings with it a fresh opportunity to resolve to become better than we were the previous year. Perhaps you’ve even made a list of resolutions and feel invigorated to stick with them this whole year. Maybe you sense that something great lies ahead for you in 2022. As helpful as grand goals and rigorous resolutions may be, I’d like to remind you of one simple reality from God’s Word that certainly speaks into this time of renewed resolve. This reality reverberates throughout God’s Word, not only in the form of a proverb spoken by Jesus, but even more powerfully through the numerous examples of regular people portrayed on the pages of Scripture. We all desire to hear the words of our Heavenly Master, spoken by Jesus in His memorable parable of the talents in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” However, let’s not forget the path that leads to such a glorious reception: “You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” The simple truth I’d like to set before you this week is this: All great things in God’s kingdom begin with small steps of faithfulness. Do you desire to provide sound, biblical advice to people in your life? Then take the small, daily steps of familiarizing yourself with the truth and wisdom found in God’s Word. Do you want to overcome your lingering addiction to pornography? Then take the small, daily steps of cutting off access to unhelpful avenues of temptation, seek an accountability partner, and fill your mind with the purifying light of God’s Word day by day. Do you wish to break your habit of impulsive purchasing? Then take the small, daily steps of budgeting every dollar the Lord graciously entrusts to your care. Do you long to know what the Lord’s will is for your life? Then take the small, daily steps of reading His Word to learn exactly what He expects of you and praying—asking Him what this obedience looks like in the context where He’s placed you. All great things in God’s kingdom begin with small steps of faithfulness. Will you commit to taking these small steps today?
Pastor Mike