Man usually notices big things, as if the size of someone or something is a measure of its worth. But God, thankfully, is quite different. By man’s standards the poor widow’s offering and the little lad’s lunch were not much at all. But look how Jesus both looked upon and used the little that was given to Him. Truly, little in the Master’s hand is of great value. Never despise the ‘smallness’ of any of your God-given provisions, talents, or offerings.
We see in Scripture how the little foxes destroy the vines, and how the tongue, a little member, can cause much destruction, like a spark that ignites a forest fire. We need to be very careful not to allow those little things into our lives that can lull us into a ‘spiritual coma’. After all, the Bible teaches that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump”.
Satan delights when we open ourselves up to his kingdom of darkness. Hopefully, we can readily discern the obvious, but he’s the master of deception, and quite often that deception comes in little things. Proverbs 24:30-34 tells us the outcome of just “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest”. Destruction is certain to anyone who spiritually, mentally, or physically ‘pushes the snooze button’. (If you doubt this, consider what happens to your peace of mind when you ‘oversleep’ and then have to play ‘catch-up’ all day!)
Conversely, the Holy Spirit uses a little creature to inspire us to get busy; namely, the ant. Laziness, slothfulness, waste, or idle hands are not the fruit of the Spirit in either the spiritual or physical realm.
Out of little Bethlehem came our Savior. Daniel had a dream or vision about a vicious little horn that arose and persecuted the saints. Obviously, then, it’s not the size of something that determines its importance or impact. We often look for the visible projects at church. However, God will certainly reward us for being faithful in the “little things“ as well.
Let’s give to the Lord that little ‘extra’ this week – a little more prayer or study, instead of sleep. Let’s sacrifice a little treat for ourselves and bless someone else. Let’s use the little strength we have to serve Him.
After all, we will see Him in “a little while”.
