In previous posts, we have addressed the cliches that God has a wonderful plan for your life, God will not put more on you than you can bear, you need to find God's will for your life, we were not made for this world, and God called them home. In this post we will address another common cliche, though one probably more prevalent among high school and college-aged Christians than among Christians in general. This cliche is the declaration that someone is going to do "big things" for God. We've probably all heard this said at times in various context. Usually the context is a sermon or message of encouragement to go out and make a difference in the world. The assumption (American-value-sized as it is) underlying the cliche is that "big things" for God are better than "little things" for God, so we need to have large-scaled visions or plans to impact the world. This assumption is not, of course, validated in Scripture. Two verses come to mind with this concept, though I think its rootings is likely more in American evangelical culture than anything.
Is God more honored by doing "little things" or "big things" for Him? To me, that question sets up a false scenario. God is most honored when we live faithfully to Him. In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, Jesus tells of three servants who were given money by their master. When we focus our attention on the "big things," we implicitly admit we think less of the "little" ones. When we harbor that attitude, we believe that what is "common" is somehow "profane," or at least "less sacred." We want "mountaintop experiences" and to make a "big impact" and to leave a "big legacy." Some people do that, and do it well. Others do it and do it poorly. Most won't do it at all. Does this mean their life is of less value to God? Of course not! Jesus did some pretty impressive things in his life. Raising the dead. Healing the blind, sick, and paralyzed. Teaching with power and authority. But he also did lots of small things. Washing feet. Sharing meals. In fact, He summarized His ministry as coming to serve (Mark 10:45).
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