The Bible is filled with emphasis on the little things we can so easily overlook. In recent weeks, we have mentioned Gideon’s small army, the little oil the widow of Zarephath shared with Elijah, Moses’ rod, the widow’s mites and the little “pegs” God used for His purposes. God does not need the grandeur of mortals to show His glory. He can use little things.
Little ants and laziness. America has largely become a nation of people who have become dependent on others instead of knowing the blessing of working hard and reaping the fruit of our labor. Yet, the Bible plainly says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). America’s attitude of laziness was also part of the ancient world. Solomon said, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which having no captain, overseer or ruler provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8). Wisdom comes from little things.
Little children and humility. The disciples of Jesus often struggled as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom. In one simple act, our Lord showed them the true path to greatness. “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly I say to you, unless you be converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matt. 18:2-3). Lazy people need to look at small ants and arrogant people need to look at small children.
Little garments and love. Hannah promised God that that she would give her firstborn child to Him (1 Sam. 1). After he was weaned, she brought Samuel and gave him to Eli, and only saw that child once each year. Hannah would “…make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year” (1 Sam. 2:18). What a treasure those little robes must have been. Every stitch made by his mother’s hand was a stitch of love. There are so many little things we can do for others to show them this same kind of love.
Little sips of water and His eyes. When we are reminded that God sees everything, some immediately think of His remembrance of idle words, hidden sins and angry words spoken to family members in our homes and in our cars. However, we must never overlook that He sees every cup of cold water given to others (Matt. 10:42). Remember the judgment scene in Matthew 25? He sees food prepared and taken to the least disciple; He sees visits we make to the sick, especially the least among us; and He sees our hospitality to the least among us. It is these little things we might overlook which determine whether we are on the right or left hand.
God, help us to see Your lessons in “little things.”