There is an encouraging reading from Luke 16:10

“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.”  

What are the “small matters” in life?

Most likely, if you asked many different people from all walks of life this question, then you would receive many different answers. But if we consider the context of this statement of Jesus, then it is clear that one of the primary small matters of which He speaks is our use of money.

Many people live as though attaining wealth were of the highest importance. Many people dream of becoming wealthy. Some regularly play the lottery in the improbable hope that they will hit it big. Others dedicate themselves to hard work in their careers so that they can advance, earn more money, and, they believe, become happier as they become wealthier. And others regularly daydream about what they would do if they were rich.

However, from God's perspective, material wealth is a relatively insignificant and unimportant matter. Money is useful insofar as it is one of the ordinary means by which we go about providing for ourselves and our families. However, it is truly insignificant in the divine perspective.

With that said, one way to be entrusted by Jesus with “great” matters is to use your money appropriately. We become “trustworthy” in this small matter of money when we only give it the value that it has. In other words, we must view money as only one means to the end of fulfilling God’s perfect will. When we work to rid ourselves of excessive desires and dreams of riches, and when we use what we have in accord with God’s will, then this act on our part will open the door to our Lord to entrust us with much more.

What is that “much more?” It’s the spiritual matters that pertain to our eternal salvation and the salvation of others. God wants to entrust to you the great responsibility of building His Kingdom on earth. He wants to use you to share His saving message with others. But He will first wait until you show yourself trustworthy in small matters, such as using your money well. And then, as you fulfil His will in these less important ways, you will begin to see Him call you to greater works.

During our services this Sunday, we will remember the important ways others gave their life for our freedom.  Join us at one of our services:

• Bletchingley: 08:00  - Holy Communion (Fr. Paul)
• Nutfield:
  • 09:30 – Laying of Wreaths at Nutfield Cemetery  (Fr. Paul)
  • 10:10 - Service at the memorial (Revd Len)
  • 10:50 -  Combine Parade Service Christ Church (Revd Len)
• Bletchingley: 10:50 -  Act of Remembrance and Service of Commitment  (Fr. Paul)
• Nutfield: 18:30 – Choral Evensong – Remembrance Sunday Prayers St. Peter ad St Paul Church (Fr. Paul)

On this Remembrance Sunday, perhaps you could support the work of the Royal British Legion

• You can give generously via Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity
• You can offer your time with the local RBL branch
• Above all, you can join us at our service of remembrance in the village.

Reflect upon the fact that God wants great things from you. The goal of all of our lives is to be used by God in incredible ways. If this is something you desire, then do every small act in your life with great care and attention. Show many small acts of kindness. Try to be thoughtful of others. Put others’ needs before your own. And commit yourself to using the money you have for God’s glory and in accord with His will. As you do these small things, you will begin to be amazed at how God can start entrusting you with more, and, through you, great things will happen that have eternal effects in your life and in the lives of others.

Every blessing

Father Paul