In today’s gospel Jesus talks to us about character. He shares with us that it is in the small matters of life that can help us judge an individual’s character. “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.”
There are many trials in life that may lead us to use that “little white lie” and we justify it by convincing ourselves that it was only for a small matter. Yet how many times has that “little white lie” grown and become something much more serious? Sometimes we lie by omission to spouses, friends, and peers. We feel they don’t need to know the whole picture. Then by leaving out the small matters the problem becomes much bigger and can cause anger, heartache, and loss of a relationship.
Jesus calls us to look at the small matters in our lives and ask ourselves, where do I need to have more honesty? Even small elements of our lives matter. As stewards of our faith we are an example of Christ in the world. We are asked to treat others the way Jesus would. How do we live the life Jesus wants for us and still be willing to forego honesty in the small matters? We cannot do both.
We are challenged to recognize that a key to a happy life calls us to be honest with ourselves and those around us. To step into the light of Christ and share that light even in the small matters. Because if we are honest in the small matters then we can be honest in the great ones and we will know God’s grace.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
