The Value of Small


Is it possible that we have misunderstood, or ignored, the value of 
small? Jesus saw something in smallness that we may overlook.

Consider these statements:

   "'When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

   "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for

   one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'." 
(Matthew 25:39-40. NIV).

   "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or 
thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and 
did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for 
one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "Then they will go 
away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." 
(Matthew 25:44-46).

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand 
beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child 
in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who 
sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." 
(Luke 9:47-49).

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything 
you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For 
where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." 
(Matthew 18:19-20).


Jesus saw the value of small.

We tend to focus on big. Big cars. Big houses. Big churches. Big 
budgets. Big signs. Big events. Big bank accounts. Big projects. Big 
attendance. Big numbers. Big buildings. From the outside looking in, 
would it appear that we believe that big equals better?

Pay attention to the small stuff.

Jesus did not seem to be implying that big is necessarily bad. He also
encouraged us to have enough faith to do big things. He emphasized

having a faith that will move mountains, faith to walk on water, and
that the disciple's faith would enable them to do even greater things 
than they had seen Him do.

However, we must not forget that those big things begin with 
something small:  faith the size of a mustard seed, taking one step 
outside of the boat, serving one another, and washing feet. Jesus 
pointed to children as our example of what "the kingdom is like." He 
spoke of being the least in the kingdom. He reminds of the importance 
of simply offering someone a cup of water.

Perhaps we should consider our plans and reevaluate our approach to
life and to ministry. We would do well not to allow ourselves to be so
enamored by the big that we miss the value of the small. It may very
well be that the greatest impact you will have this week in the life 
of another human being will come from doing something small. One 
conversation. A word of gratitude. A kind comment. A one-on-one 
conversation. A moment of listening. A small group study. Two or 
three gathered to pray. A single thoughtful act. A good application 
of the Scripture. A phone call. A text message. An email. A gentle 
touch. A note of encouragement. A small gift. An hour of your time.

Just this week, pay attention to small. Let God turn it into something
big ... but only if He wants it to be big.