When a Little Thing becomes a Big Thing

I have been watching college football since at least 1959 , but I am afraid I have taken only small amounts of wisdom away from this diversion. However, viewing a significant game this past Saturday, I heard an analyst make this comment about a certain well-executed play: “That’s a little thing, but little things can become big things.” He proved to be prophetic as what looked like a little thing, did, in fact, become a big thing that played a role in a big win.

I thought of how those words of his have other applications. The same day I had been told how a certain young man in the church had been serving one of our widows in some little ways. I heard this from the woman herself, and it was obvious his little things were having a big impact on her. That, in turn, had a big impact on me.  A little thing had become a big thing.

In God’s economy many little things can become big things. When little things are done with a great heart, they become big things. Jesus said as much: “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). Something little given to a little one becomes a big thing in God’s eyes.

You and I could try to do something great this week, but we are probably going to better off just seeking to do some little things with a great heart. Then, through the work of the Spirit, a little thing may very well become a big thing.