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I live in the great state of Texas where it is no secret, “everything is bigger.”  While this slogan may stem from its gigantic land mass, I would agree that we like BIG. Our mascots, burgers, meal portions, homes, churches, celebrations and everything else supersized. 

Chances are, even if you do not live in Texas, you embrace the same philosophy. In a culture where everything is big, as a church planter (someone that establishes a local faith community), I must admit many times I become frustrated and discouraged with the size of our current team, gatherings and outreach capacity. I know I am not alone in this feeling of wanting bigger; after all, isn’t Bigger, Better?  

There is something within the human heart that devalues modesty and considers small to be synonymous with insignificant. Even though I know this to be far from the truth, I have to remind myself from time to time not to despise small beginnings. 

After returning from Babylonian captivity, there was a remnant of God’s people in Jerusalem tasked with rebuilding the temple of God. Amid persecution and hardship, these individuals wondered if a small group of people could accomplish this meager mission. After learning the specific plans to rebuild, they were disappointed to discover the new temple would be smaller than the majestic temple Solomon built, that now lay in ruins, destroyed decades earlier. 

Perhaps you too feel as I do at times, that the assignment God has given is too small or feels unimportant. I was encouraged by the the words of Zechariah 4 verse 10 that read, For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.”

I find great strength in this verse, especially the latter part, which reveals where we should find our motivation for anything we do. Notice, the scripture says “These seven are eyes of the Lord.” Seven in the bible represents perfection and completion. In other words, God sees everything, perfectly. Remember, the work we do is not to be seen and spoken well of by men. In fact, the work we do will largely go unnoticed by people. The good news is that it will not go unseen by the all seeing eyes of God. The word declares “…so that your giving may be in secret. Your Father who sees in secret will reward you in the open” (Matthew 6:4). This also reveals the reality that many times our motives and perspectives need adjustment, in that we seek the approval of man instead of the approval of God. If God is pleased with us and the work we do, that is all that truly matters.

I had the privilege of visiting India early February 2020.  One of the most eye-opening aspects of my trip was to see the gospel of Jesus preached in the middle of a jungle, to a group of people some would deem insignificant. We were in the middle of no where. There was no WiFi, fine cars, trendy clothes, big jobs, 401k’s or 5 star hotels. Just people, overlooked and unknown by man, but oh so important to God! They were invisible to almost everyone on the planet, but seen and loved by Jesus. I took note of the work being done by a faithful group of people who will most likely never make it on TV, amass a large following, build a mega building chalked with all the modern amenities or earn “blue-check” status on the Gram. Nope. I guess the only reward they can look forward to is that which is promised by our faithful Father.

Zechariah goes on to say, whoever despises, (considers insignificant), the day of small things shall rejoice.  When we come to realize that God sees the work we are doing, and that He delights in it, this will cause us to rejoice. When the people saw the plumb line, or important stone, in the hand of the prophet, the people rejoiced. Why? It was just a stone… or was it? No, it was much more than that. It represented the beginning of a great work. Note, all great work starts with a stone; not just any old rock, but the chief cornerstone. The one the builders rejected (Psalm 118:22).

So you see, the work we do for God is not so small at all, nor will it go unnoticed or be forgotten. “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love” (Hebrews 6:10). My encouragement to you today is this, do not shrink or think of the work God has given you to do as small and insignificant. God is too big to give us small, meaningless tasks. Every seemingly small assignment is part of a big picture. We are charged to steward well the unique work entrusted to us. Be faithful over a few things, God will make us rulers over much.

Would you pray this prayer with me?

Heavenly Father, forgive me for being ungrateful for the work you have entrusted me with and the blessings you have given. Help me be faithful over what I have, no matter how small or great. Thank you for your grace and mercy toward me, especially when I find myself longing for more to feed my ego and lust for what others have. Help me to remember that only what I do for Christ matters, and only what I do for you will last. In Jesus name, amen.