You don't have to change the world

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

One of the best Christian speakers I ever heard was a missionary named David Pierce, who travels around the world with his band, No Longer Music, bringing the message of Jesus to Satanist clubs, anarchy festivals, and anywhere you wouldn’t normally expect to find Christians. Pierce wrote an incredibly unique book called Dancing with Skinheads and other Bible Study Topics, and one thing he wrote in there that I’ve never forgotten is this: “Do something small for God.” He said that so many people want to do something big for God, to do something that really changes the world. But often it’s the small, overlooked, seemingly insignificant things that are the biggest steps of obedience to God.

Sometimes as a small church, or as ordinary people, we can feel like we’re not making a difference because we aren’t doing anything particularly world-changing. We can compare ourselves with the individuals or churches we read about who are doing “great things for God” and wonder what difference we are making. But that’s why I find Pierce’s words so refreshing and inspiring. After all, even Jesus said “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). If Jesus even calls the giving of a cup of water to a child something to be rewarded, let us be encouraged that every small act of kindness done in the name of Jesus matters to God.

Yes, it would be wonderful to do something great for God: to lead the masses to Christ, to change a nation, to publish a book, to start a ministry that changes the world. But why not start with what is in front of you. Do something small in the name of Jesus for your spouse, your parent, your kid, your neighbor, your boss, your co-worker. Bake them cookies. Write them an encouraging note. Give them a hug. Tell them you love them. Do that chore you’ve been neglecting. Buy them coffee. Visit them. Pray for them. Give them a thank-you gift.
Do something small for God.