The Bible, the Word of Almighty God, speaks in principles which never change. Context changes, circumstances change, but Bible principles remain in place, and violation of those principles leads to chaos.

There is a principle in the gospel of Luke, chapter 16, verse 10: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” This principle has spawned many proverbs such as, “take care of the little things and the big things take care of themselves,” or “watch the pennies, nickels and dimes, and the dollars take care of themselves.”

This principle is played out in the venue of sports where we see those who pay the price in preparation win the prize, or in music where it is practice, practice, practice to achieve the stellar performance.

Human nature loves shortcuts. We do not like practice. We do not like having to do the little things that consume our time, that are no fun and nobody applauds. We want center stage with accolades, without paying the price.

It is amazing how these things work. Wait around, and the truth will surface. Some flash in the pan might have some temporary success, but without the foundation of character and diligence, it will crumble.

Politicians love to promise promotion without process. They say vote for me, and I will work to take what somebody else has and give it to you even though you have not “paid the price.”

There is abuse: the strong will dominate the weak. Systems that promote robbing the rich through exorbitant taxation to give to those who do not want to work become entrenched and become the norm rather than the exception.

In the final analysis, Almighty God is in charge. He sees everything. He knows everything, and you can be sure that His principles will not fail.

There are two realities that we must not miss. There is now, this life, which is very temporary, and there is eternity. Every soul will live somewhere forever. The best plan is to plan and work for the long haul.

You may think you are getting short-changed here and now when it seems your diligence is not being rewarded, but take heart. Almighty God is keeping the books, and when we exert the slightest effort to honor and glorify God by living according to His principles, it will not go unrewarded.

Like somebody said, “Keep your nose to the grindstone and see what breaks loose.”