Start Small

Reading: Matthew 8-10 41 Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. 42 Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” (Matthew 10:41-42 MSG) Jesus said these words of commission to twelve men. They did their part. In Matthew 28:18-20 he gave a larger commission to all Christ followers: “Evangelize and train everyone you meet, day after day, right up to the end of the age!” Jesus represented his Father. We represent Jesus. The work he came to do is the work we are to do. It’s such a large work…it’s kind of overwhelming! Make disciples of all the nations. Save the world! That would be a big order even for Superman! But it’s not just you and me, it’s the entire church in each generation. Thinking that you and I and our local churches are supposed to save the whole world is actually a de-motivator! The task is so big, we rationally know we can’t do it, and so it often becomes one of those heavenly religious concepts that never actually get implemented on the gritty, grimy ground of the neighborhood. The church I belong to and serve through has taken on a piece of the large Central Oregon challenge. We’re actually doing some things to help our neighbors. But we’re not going to try to do everything. We’re also partnering with other churches, ministries, and government organizations in our community. And maybe best of all, we’re learning as individual Christians, families, and small groups of friends, not to wait for the church or some other organization to start a program but to simply do something! I think there’s a cool cup of water in there somewhere! Let’s think big and start small! But let’s start somewhere and do something! Prayer: Father, Please help me never to use the size of the task as an excuse for doing nothing. I’m going to start small, but I’m going to start somewhere! I can’t do everything, but I can do something! Thanks for putting me in a church and allowing me to serve with other churches that are actually taking on our part of the task. Amen.