Day 42 – The Small Stuff
Brother Lawrence said that “we must never tire of doing little things for the love of God who considers not the magnitude of the work, but the love. In the beginning we must not be surprised if we often fail; in the end, once the habit is formed, we will able to act without thinking about it and with great delight.”
We might think God appears to be involved in and cares mostly about the big stuff: Using prominent leaders in advancing social justice. Directing mega-churches in having a global impact. Guiding national agencies in improving our country.
By way of contrast, we consider what we do – our job, our responsibilities, our ministry, the people we serve – it only feels like the small stuff. We don’t feel like we’re making a difference.
We overlook the fact that God is also involved in and cares about the small stuff. God is personally involved in every detail of our lives. And he invites us to do little things in a big way . . . for him.
To say: “I’m doing this for God whether or not somebody else notices, whether anyone appreciates it or even cares. God notices. He appreciates it. He cares. I’m doing it for him anyway. I’m doing it to serve others in the name of Jesus and out of my love for God.”
God doesn’t focus on the size of the tasks we complete. He notices the love behind it. God doesn’t count only the “important” things we do. He records who we really did it for.
God honors the care you extend, the truth you proclaim, the integrity you maintain, the prayers you pray, the people you serve, the work you do.
Jesus said, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). Little things are big things to God.
Love counts for everything. This attitude, Brother Lawrence points out, takes time to nurture. But it pays long-term dividends.
Teresa of Avila also found this to be true: “The Lord doesn’t look so much at the greatness of our works as at the love with which they are done.”
Action Step: Many responsibilities in life are thankless. What would be on the top of your list? Do that one thing for God, for others, out of love.
This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave
