The Little Things

As I wrote recently, sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference in my day. A steaming cup of tea, warm flannel blankets, sunbeams streaming through the window, and many other blessings the Lord showers on me.

There is another way I can look at “little things” – a way that is integral to my Christian life.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”

 – Luke 6:10

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

 – Zechariah 4:10

Christ’s condition for service is a willingness to do small things – the things that the world and our flesh often count as insignificant, unworthy, or even unnecessary. Yet, the Biblical principle is clear: if you refuse to do these seemingly unimportant things of life, you will not be entrusted with great things.

As Christians, we often have big ideas of how Christ could use us. Of doing heroic deeds that give God glory (and, if we’re honest, bring us some acclaim too). Of grand spiritual service or dramatic experiences. We get bored of everyday living and doing the same tasks over….and over….and over. We nod our heads when we read Scripture passages talking of humility, serving others, and loving others as God loves and eagerly imagine some great way we can live that out.

The simple truth is that we don’t need to wait for a great opportunity to show the world we are humble or that love covers a multitude of wrongs. We are supposed to practice these things in ordinary life.

“Everything about which we are tempted to complain may be the very instrument whereby the Potter intends to shape His clay into the image of His Son – a headache, an insult, a long line at the check-out, someone’s rudeness or failure to say thank you, misunderstanding, disappointment, interruption.”

 – Elisabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart

Humility means giving up your preference, letting someone else go first, and all the other million opportunities Christ gives us to set self aside. Showing grace to others means not honking your horn at the person who just cut you off in traffic and forgiving the person who said something unkind about you. Little things like cleaning up after your brothers, taking care of a sick person, or doing an umpteenth load of laundry.

That is where we live out our Christianity.

At least that is what Luke 6:10 and Zechariah 4:10 seem to say.

“The best training is to learn to accept everything as it comes, as from Him whom our soul loves. 
The tests are always unexpected things, not great things that can be written up, 
but the common little rubs of life, silly little nothings, things you are ashamed of minding one scrap.”

– Amy Carmichael, Candles in the Dark

When soldiers join the army, they do not start out on the battlefield, dressed in full battle gear and engaging in an all-out offensive against the enemy. They go through grueling training first – training that begins with small things and then progresses to harder and harder lessons.

An aspiring pianist does not begin with a Liszt transcendental etude. Instead, he must start with the basic elements: learning to read notes, develop proper posture and technique, long hours of practice, and simple pieces.

As Christians, our training for service means faithfulness in the little things. No task, however demeaning or humble, should be beneath us. Christ is the paradigm of service: washing feet – the dirty, dusty feet of His disciples.

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet;

ye ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given

you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

 – John 13:14-15

Since we are each running our own race, the little things of our Christian walk will be different. It may not be literally washing someone’s feet. The principle applies to whatever little things the Lord has placed in your life. Don’t overlook them. Don’t despise them. Be faithful and do them as unto Him.

“Many of you are preparing for service. This is my word for you: Don’t say ‘It doesn’t matter’ 
about anything (except your own feelings), for everything matters. Everything is important, 
even the tiniest thing. If you do everything, whether great or small, for the sake
 of your Saviour and Lord, then you will be ready for whatever work 
He has chosen for you to do later.”

 – Amy Carmichael, Candles in the Dark

If you are longing for something else – a change in daily routine, a mate, a new job, a promotion, other ministry opportunities, more important tasks, greater responsibility, leadership – be faithful in what the Lord has given you to do today and then trust that He will open up doors in His time. He has placed you right where you need to be – where you can best learn the lessons He has for you now. If you are obeying Him, then He will, without a doubt, be faithful to guide. 

"And so he that had received five talents came and brought

five other talents, saying, 'Lord, thou deliverest unto me five talents:

 behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.' 

His lord said unto him, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: 

thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: 

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.'"

– Matthew 25:21