“A little goes a long way” is a familiar saying we apply to all sorts of things — spice, garlic, logic, flattery, perfume, jewelry, makeup … The list goes on.
But beyond our kitchens, closets, philosophies and compliments, every little thing we do can go a long way in God’s hands. I am learning small things make a big difference, especially when done consistently over time.
Consider Jesus Himself, born in a manger in the middle of tiny Bethlehem, who grew up to save the entire world. God’s greatest plan began with something small, as our key verses show:
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12).
During Jesus’ time on earth, He demonstrated the importance of “a little.”
- He valued the little things: hairs on our heads, birds in the air, and flowers in the field.
- He noticed the little gestures: a slight touch of His garment, a tax collector perched in a tree, and a widow and her two coins.
- He served in little ways: washing feet, holding children and cooking fish.
- He rewarded little deeds: the woman who washed His feet with her hair, the leper who said “thank you” and the woman by the well who gave Him something to drink.
Nothing was too insignificant for the Savior of the world. So why do we regularly consider bigger to be better?
We want our lives to count, but we feel minuscule, like our ordinary, everyday moments will never amount to anything. We take stock of the families we were born into, the towns we grew up in and the positions we serve in, then determine they are of little value in His Kingdom. If we aren’t careful, we can start to believe that who we are, where we are and what we are doing don’t really matter.
But, friend, God sees and values every little thing you do. You can impact others while standing in the checkout line or sitting on the sideline of the game, while walking the dog or talking to a colleague at work.
Believe it or not, when you partner with God, He can use even the most minute things to affect eternity in ways beyond what you can imagine. People like you and me can accomplish great things in our everyday moments by offering all we are and all we have to God.
Little things aren’t little to God. He rejoices in what is right, not necessarily what is big. So let’s be faithful in the small things, begin where we are, do what we can and leave the results to God. When we do, I believe we will discover that a significant life is simpler (and smaller) than we think.
Lord, remind me of my inherent significance and value. Forgive me for underestimating what You can do through me. Show me how You are using every little thing in my life to go a long way in Your Kingdom for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
