When I played hockey, the best referees always set a consistent, high standard of play for each game. They noticed - and called - every infraction, no matter how minor it seemed. Ironically, their strict enforcement of the rules led to an amazing freedom for us as players. A clearly defined set of standards allowed us to focus on the important thing - playing the game to the best of our ability.
When referees ignore "small stuff", players quickly test how far they can bend the rules without getting penalized. The game becomes increasingly out of control, and usually the referees and players are oblivious about how or why it all happened. Have you ever seen parents raise their children with an inconsistent set of standards, then wonder why their children are disrespectful and irresponsible?
As your own personal referee (and player!), have you been faithful in handling the "small stuff", or have you let things slide? Are you wondering why God hasn't rewarded you with more responsibility in your spiritual life, relationships, business life or finances?
If you are wondering why big things haven't happened for you, take a close, honest look at how you've handled the small things. When we handle the small things with integrity, God promises to reward us with more responsibility!
Ask yourself...
- What areas of my life have not developed as well as I expected?
- What are the small yet important aspects of this area that I have neglected up until now?
- What commitments will I make to ensure that I am faithful in the small things?
"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'" - Matthew 25:21
"To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance . But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away." - Matthew 25:29
Humorist Will Rogers once observed, "There are three kinds of men - ones that learn by reading, a few who learn by observation, and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves."
Though he has never braved a real electric fence, Larry understands the above metaphor all too well. His life is more a series of clumsy learning experiences than a polished "how-to" manual.
Remarkably, God has called Larry to share these slices of imperfection and accumulated wisdom with readers from over thirty countries around the world - those fortunate souls who prefer to learn through reading and observation.
Larry's first book, Get the Prize, was published in 2003. He is currently writing his second book, expected to be released in 2010.
He lives in Canada with his wife and four children.