Philip Yancey's use of words on the printed page is a thing of wonder. Bill Hybels' creativity in leadership is enviable. Dallas Willard's insights on Christian discipleship are so deep! Billy Graham's influence for Christ is amazing. Were I to focus on the gifts these men bring to the work of Jesus in the world, comparing myself to them, I would be unable to continue in my own work. Why? Because, in terms of results, what I do for God is inconsequential by comparison to what they accomplish. But God has not called me to fill their place; He has given me a place of my own. Someday when I stand before Jesus for the great and final performance review, He will not measure me against anyone else- great or small. He will evaluate my faithfulness to use the gifts and abilities He invested in me in the place to which He called me.
Why am telling you that? Because, I know that there are Believers who are doing little or nothing for God because they are convinced they have to be a super-saint in order to be of value to the Lord. They do not contribute anything, thinking that what they could do is meaningless. They are sidelined by a lie. Those who are not doing what they could do, are leaving gaps in the work of the Kingdom! In addition, they never realize their full potential because they will not start a small work!
When Judah was destroyed by invaders, the city of Jerusalem, along with the Temple of God, was reduced to rubble. Many said it would not, indeed, it could not, be rebuilt! A man named Zerubbabel committed himself to the task and many mocked his starting efforts, small as they were. But God's spokesman told them, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT) The Lord promised Zerubbabel that the work would be finished, but not because he was strong or smart! Rather, his true strength came from the Lord. "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)
Believer, God has a place in which you can serve. Look around you. See the opportunities to do what you can do, then do just do it. (apologies to Nike!) Forget about the size of the crowd. Forget about how many will notice or even if anyone notices. Just ask God, "what do you want me to do?" If you sense that He is commissioning you to the work, then do for Him. His approval makes the most obscure act of service into something of worth.
Mark tells us about a woman found Jesus at dinner in the home of Simon. As the men ate, she approached Jesus and broke open an expensive alabaster jar of perfume, which she poured on his head. The men at the gathering were annoyed and criticized her for her 'foolish waste' of a thing of so great a cost. "Why," they said, "she could have sold it and fed a lot of hungry people." But Jesus saw it differently! He commended her act of love and reminded the men that as foolish as it seemed to them, "She did what she could. .... I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Mark 14:8-9, NIV)
If you want to please God, serve! Don't wait for the BIG moment, for the opportunities to change the world. You will die waiting. See the need that exists, right where you are. Present yourself to the Lord, as a servant, and prepare to let Him use you. Be faithful, even when few notice, fewer still express thanks, and even fewer results are measurable. Ignore the critics. Pray for the strength of the Spirit. Receive God's gifts and do everything you are able to do to become as skillful as you are equipped to be. And, God will reward your faithful work. That's guaranteed by His promise!
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Does the place you're called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it
And He'll not forget His own.
Little is much when God is in it,
Labor not for wealth or fame;
There's a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus' name.
When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run;
He will say if we are faithful,
Welcome home, My child, well done!
Little Is Much When God Is In It
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