Handling Responsibilities Faithfully (Part 1)

HANDLING RESPONSIBILITIES FAITHFULLY (Part 1)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 16:10-12

Key Verse: “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.” (Luke 16:10)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:23; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Proverbs 28:20

INTRODUCTION:

Responsibility is a sacred trust. Every task, duty, or assignment whether small or great, entrusted into our hands is an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness before God and man. God honours men and women who take their responsibilities seriously and handle them with diligence, integrity, and excellence.

Faithfulness in responsibilities is not just about impressing people, it is about honouring God who watches how we handle what He has placed in our care. Many destinies have been lifted because of faithfulness, and many others have been truncated because of negligence. God promotes men based on faithfulness, not talents alone.

In this study, we will examine what it means to handle responsibilities faithfully and why it is crucial for our spiritual growth, personal progress, and eternal reward.

1. FAITHFULNESS IN LITTLE THINGS LEADS TO GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES

Faithfulness always begins with little tasks. How we handle small duties determines the doors God will open for greater ones.

a) God tests us with little (Luke 16:10): If we are careless with little tasks, God cannot trust us with bigger ones.

b) Small responsibilities reveal character (Matthew 25:21): The faithful servant was rewarded with greater responsibilities because he was faithful in little.

c) Little duties prepare us for bigger assignments (Zechariah 4:10): God values small beginnings as stepping stones to greatness.

d) Neglecting small tasks leads to missed opportunities (Ecclesiastes 10:18): Laziness in little things can ruin bigger things.

Biblical Example: David was faithful in tending sheep, and God lifted him to shepherd Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

2. RESPONSIBILITY DEMANDS DILIGENCE AND HARD WORK

Faithfulness in responsibility requires a spirit of diligence and hard work, not laziness or excuses.

a) God honours diligence (Proverbs 22:29): The diligent stand before kings and not mean men.

b) Hard work brings fruitfulness (Ecclesiastes 9:10): Whatever we do must be done wholeheartedly.

c) Diligence brings promotion (Proverbs 12:24): The hand of the diligent shall bear rule.

d) Negligence leads to loss (Proverbs 10:4): Slackness in responsibility brings poverty and shame.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah was diligent in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and in 52 days, the work was completed (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

3. RESPONSIBILITY REQUIRES INTEGRITY AND HONESTY

Without integrity, responsibility becomes a trap for corruption and abuse. Faithfulness is measured by honesty.

a) God requires stewards to be trustworthy (1 Corinthians 4:2): Every steward must be found faithful.

b) Integrity sustains leadership (Proverbs 11:3): The integrity of the upright guides them.

c) Dishonesty brings shame and destruction (Proverbs 13:11): Wealth gained through dishonesty diminishes.

d) God rewards honesty (Psalm 25:21): Integrity preserves the upright.

Biblical Example: Daniel handled his responsibilities with integrity, and no fault was found in him except concerning his devotion to God (Daniel 6:3-4).

4. RESPONSIBILITY DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY

Faithfulness includes being accountable for what has been entrusted to us by God and by men.

a) Everyone will give account (Romans 14:12): Each of us must give an account of ourselves to God.

b) Accountability increases trust (Luke 16:2): A steward must render account of his stewardship.

c) Lack of accountability leads to waste (Luke 19:20-24): The unfaithful servant lost his opportunity because he hid his talent.

d) Accountability fosters responsibility (Hebrews 13:17): Leaders watch over souls and must give account.

Biblical Example: Joseph, even as a slave, was accountable in Potiphar’s house, and God prospered all that was under his hand (Genesis 39:4-6).

5. RESPONSIBILITY INVOLVES SERVING OTHERS SELFLESSLY

Faithfulness in responsibility is not self-centred; it is about serving others and glorifying God.

a) Greatness is measured by service (Mark 10:43-44): True leaders serve.

b) Faithfulness involves seeking the welfare of others (Philippians 2:4): We must not only look to our own interests.

c) Service should be done unto God (Colossians 3:23): Whatever we do must be done as service to the Lord.

d) Selfless service attracts divine rewards (Matthew 25:35-40): Whatever is done for others is done for Christ.

Biblical Example: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as a demonstration of faithful and humble service (John 13:4-15).

6. FAITHFULNESS IN RESPONSIBILITY LEADS TO DIVINE REWARD

God does not forget the labour of His people. Faithfulness always produces promotion, favour, and eternal reward.

a) God rewards faithfulness (Hebrews 6:10): He is not unjust to forget our labour of love.

b) Faithfulness attracts blessings (Proverbs 28:20): A faithful man shall abound with blessings.

c) Faithfulness guarantees eternal reward (Matthew 25:23): “Well done, good and faithful servant” is the greatest commendation.

d) God lifts the faithful above others (Psalm 75:6-7): Promotion comes from the Lord.