Little Actions, Big Impact

Do you want to do something for God? Do you want to change the world in a positive way? Most of us would say yes. We don't want to waste our lives. After all, we're supposed to do good works, not to earn salvation, but to show our love for God and help others. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NASB).

Sounds great, right? But what about when God calls us to do a small act instead of a grand deed? We're prepared to go on a mission trip, make a large donation to the church's building fund, or feed the homeless.

But what about the less dramatic jobs, like acclimating the new person at church, bringing someone a meal after a surgery, or listening to a family member when they've had a bad day? Are we willing to obey or would we rather step away and say, “On second thought, there's something else I need to do"?

Why? Could it be we fail to see the potential in the unnoticeable actions? You'll probably never give a speech at the White House (of course, you never know), but what you do will impact somebody. While it won't make you a world renown Christian, it can make a difference in that person's life, sometimes dramatically. Impacting the world doesn't require grand gestures. Small actions matter too.

Jesus didn't always preach and perform miracles in front of large crowds. He ministered to the individuals: His disciples, the woman at the well, the centurion's son, Mary Magdalene. He doesn't just care about the crowds. He loves the ordinary people and He wants us to feel the same about them. How do you feel when someone takes the time to say or do something for you?

Sometimes God doesn't ask us to start a bonfire. Most of the time He asks us to light one candle here and there, or help a fluttering flame. Either way, will you accept your role, or will you reject it? Is it too small for your notice, or do you recognize it as a way to shed a little light in someone's life?