So often preachers chase the dream of becoming the next Billy Graham. Churches everywhere have tried to become the next Saddleback of Orange County, California. We are disappointed if our outreach attempts don't reflect a certain number of responses. Our mission efforts are only successful if they have highly visible signs of inroads and growth.
In other words, our form of Christianity has become very Westernized. The American Dream tends to mold our view of church and ministry more than the biblical model. In America, the bottom line tends to be equated with size and number. The bigger the better, the more the merrier. The Bible, however, though full of examples of big events, warns clearly, "Do not despise the day of small things" (Zechariah 4:10).
Americans are not the only ones to miss this truth. Jesus' disciples tried to shoo away the small children, while Jesus embraced them saying, "the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these" ( Matt 19:14). Thes disciples lamented, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go..." (John 6:9)? Jesus blessed what they had and fed the multitude. In contrast to all the rich putting in large amounts into the temple treasury, Jesus points out a widow putting in two small copper coins saying, "this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others" (Mark 12:43).
Bigger and more aren't bad, but they are not God's standard. Authentic is, heart-felt is, your best is - what you have, who you are, what you can accomplish, whatever the size or number - that is what God is looking for in your walk.
If you have a lot to give, give it. If you can preach to the masses, preach away. If you can build a mega-church, have at it. Just don't fritter away your life, your opportunities and your gift waiting for one big moment. Don't despise the day of small things. Jus' Sayn
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