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November 15, 2007
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
The Value of Small, by Tom Norvell
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.
---------
(c) 2007 Tom Norvell <tomnorvell@mac.com>. Used by permission. A
Norvell Note <http://www.anorvellnote.com> is a weekly email
message from Tom Norvell. Check it out!
RELATED LINKS:
* God's Still Small Voice
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200605/20060504_stillvoice.html
* Right Here, Right Now!
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200604/20060422_rightnow.html
* From Small Beginnings
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0628-wjd.html
* A Norvell Note
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200711/20071115_small.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
LOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT: 12 KEYS TO ENJOYING A HEALTHY LIFE NOW, by Joyce Meyer
Joyce guides us to a healthier way of living, reminding us that turning
every issue over to God gives us the strength to make lasting changes.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?250
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