How's Your Strength?

 

In the journey of faith, the seemingly small tests of daily life serve as preparation for greater spiritual responsibilities. As Jesus taught in Luke 16:10, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." This profound principle reveals that our handling of minor responsibilities directly correlates with our capacity to manage weightier matters of eternal significance.

The Foundation of Faithfulness

Consider how God tests His people through daily trials. These tests aren't merely about the immediate challenges they present, but about developing the spiritual fortitude necessary for eternal inheritance. The Prophet Jeremiah speaks to this, saying, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?" (Jeremiah 12:5). This vivid metaphor illustrates that if we cannot handle lesser challenges, we will surely falter when facing greater ones.

The Fate of the Unfaithful

The Psalms paint a stark picture of those who fail to develop spiritual strength: "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away" (Psalm 1:4). This imagery of chaff—the lightweight, worthless husks separated from wheat during threshing—powerfully illustrates the spiritual instability of those who haven't developed inner strength through faithful living. The subsequent verse reinforces this consequence: "Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous" (Psalm 1:5).

Building Spiritual Stamina

Just as physical strength comes through consistent exercise, spiritual strength develops through faithful adherence to divine principles. The Apostle Paul understood this, writing, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).

This spiritual development requires:

1. Consistent Practice in Small Matters: "He that is faithful in that which is least" (Luke 16:10) reminds us that every small act of obedience strengthens our spiritual foundation.
2. Endurance Through Trials: "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4).
3. Regular Spiritual Discipline: "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Exercise your spirit to gain spiritual strength in prayer, Bible studying and fasting. 

The Eternal Perspective

The cultivation of faithfulness in this life directly impacts our eternal standing. As Solomon wisely observed, "The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth" (Proverbs 10:30). This temporal training ground prepares us for an eternal inheritance, as Peter reminds us: "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4).

Conclusion

The development of spiritual strength through faithfulness in daily matters isn't optional—it's essential for eternal stability. Those who neglect this development will find themselves like chaff in the wind when facing divine judgment. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that each test of faithfulness, no matter how small, builds the spiritual stamina necessary to "stand in the judgment" and take our place in "the congregation of the righteous."

Our current choices and actions are building the spiritual strength—or weakness—that will determine our eternal standing. As the prophet Isaiah declared, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).