The Power of the Little Things: Being Faithful in the Small Moments

Brothers and sisters, have you ever heard someone say, “When I have money left over, when I’m rich, then I’ll really start helping the poor”?

It’s a sentiment I’ve heard echoed in mission discussions and even in my own quiet moments of reflection. It sounds noble, right? But the truth, as the Spirit gently nudges us toward, is that if we aren't generous and faithful with the little we have today, we will never be truly generous when the blessings—or the needs—get big.

It reminds me so much of a story about my own mother. She had this beautiful habit of baking bread and always making sure to take an extra loaf to a poor neighbor who lived nearby. I remember thinking, “How can she be generous giving away bread when we have eight kids and so many needs?”

It wasn't until much later that I understood the depth of that principle. Today, my mother is blessed, and she helps so many people, including the work of the Lord, because she was faithful in the small acts of kindness right where she was planted.

Faithfulness in the Little Things

This echoes so powerfully what the Savior taught in Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

What does this mean for us as disciples today, as we strive to be Internet missionaries and disciples anywhere, all the time? It means that the currency of the gospel isn't always grand gestures; it's consistency. It’s the daily choice to be kind, to study, to share a scripture, or to serve when no one is watching.

When we look deeper into this passage, we see a pattern. Being faithful in the small things leads us to the much greater things. Why? First, because the Lord is faithful; He owes nothing to anyone. Second, because as Proverbs 19:17 teaches, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and he will pay it back to him.”

Investing in the Eternal

And third, perhaps most importantly for us who are learning to be stewards of the gospel, those who help the work of the Lord—investing in missionary projects, helping the Kingdom grow, and spreading the gospel—are making the best possible investment. Why? Because it is eternal, where moth and rust cannot corrupt, and where thieves cannot break in and steal.

The Savior warned us not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust do destroy, but to store up treasures in heaven. This isn't a condemnation of earthly blessings; far from it! But it is a gentle warning that our greatest riches—our time, our talents, our energy—should be invested where the corruption of time cannot touch them: in the eternal work.

My friends, let’s keep this principle close as we prepare for missions, or as we serve in our local wards. Don't wait until you feel "rich enough" in time, money, or experience to serve. Be generous now. Plant seeds in fertile ground. Never forget that everything you have—your voice, your time, your knowledge—was given by God.

Let us each make our part so that the Kingdom of God can be proclaimed and lives can be transformed by the power of the gospel. You are valuable, and the Lord sees your faithfulness in the little things!

If you want to deepen your understanding of stewardship and service, I highly recommend diving into the teachings on faith found within the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. If you're looking for a deeper study group experience, check out the Book Club or Bible Study options in HolyPlaces!

For those of you who are preparing for the field, remember that preparation is a constant process. If you’d like to walk through a tough question an investigator might ask you, don't hesitate to bring it to Davee. He’s ready to help you practice your answers!