[Jesus speaking]
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

There is a parable in Matthew 25 that is similar to this passage in Luke. It tells the story of a master who went away on business. He gave three servants each different levels of money to invest, likely based on his belief in their skills and abilities. And to the two servants who created a return on investment: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭21‬, Jesus speaking)

Track record matters in God’s economy. If we have been faithful in completing the small assignments he has given us, then we will be deemed faithful to be trusted in larger efforts. This passage also deals with reputation. How well does our reputation hold up to the test of faithfulness and trustworthiness under fire?

When I think about reputation, I think about my name. I talk to my kids about the family name and how Andersons are known for honesty, hard work, and service. This is a reputation that has been built by their grandparents and their parents, not perfectly, but intentionally. And so, I want them to think about that as the most important qualities to hold dear in our family, outside of following Jesus Christ.

I think this is part of what Jesus is talking about. As followers of his, we take on his name. When we take on his name, we take on the reputation that name has and seek to live up to it — not always perfectly, but intentionally.

And when we prove to be faithful, we are rewarded with more responsibility and more adventure and opportunity in our spiritual walk with God.

Lord, you alone deserve my allegiance and my praise. May I represent you with integrity, always seeking to follow your ways and your lead. For you are faithful to help me finish the task at hand with a joy and hope that reflects you!