Little things

August 9, 2006

By Dan Turpin

What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God.

— Monica Baldwin

God wants us to become great at doing little things, and little when doing great things. Jesus modeled the life God has called us to live. Although He changed the world, He never set out to do more, or become better than anyone else at anything. His whole life was dedicated to pleasing God and being a servant of men.

Jesus mastered little things and did not seek great things for himself. Jesus’ life personified the words of Helen Keller, “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”

Jesus managed power without being corrupted by the notoriety it brought Him, and He asked nothing in return for His good deeds. He never made a show of himself, and when the multitudes sought to make Him king of Israel He refused the honor (John 6:15). He was humble. He was an expert in morality and resisted all temptations towards evil. He practiced perfect obedience and remained poised in God’s presence even as He died on the cross.

Jesus was a man of prayer, so when God the Father spoke, Jesus responded immediately. Conversely, when Jesus spoke God responded immediately. His words brought hope to the needy; He associated with the poor and healed people of their diseases.

Great men and women of all ages have honored Jesus by obeying His teachings, and multitudes have given their lives for His sake. Jesus Christ literally changed the world through the simple, yet profound truth He lived and taught. He yielded himself to the Holy Spirit’s strength and gave people a reason to live. He brought them into relationship with God through His sacrifice.

As you journey through life do not seek great things; seek to become great at doing the little things that matter. Things like faith and love, which make all the difference in the world. If you and I become proficient in doing little things, the great things will take care of themselves. Always walk in humility and remember what Ben Franklin said: “Humility makes great men twice honorable.”

Dan Turpin is senior pastor of West Coast Church (AG) in Englewood, Fla.