Great Things
Someone once said, “True worth is doing each day some little good, not dreaming of great things to do by and by.” How true it is! We might think that the “great things”, that we can conjure up in our own minds and turn our focus to, will make us stand out and be noticed by others, but what is their value – especially when they are so often unattainable. A lot of time can be wasted vainly in their pursuit. Is that where true worth is found? Well, scripture tells us to exhort one another daily, while it is called today. Following that reasoning, the principle of true worth is to do something good today because tomorrow is too late.
That was God’s plan for Israel as He brought them out of Egypt. “’Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel” (Exodus 19:5-6). The doing that God was interested in was for them to be a living example of obedience to His word and way of life. They didn’t have to lead the world in technology or in the arts, but in how they lived their lives each and every day. By example, they were to reflect God’s own holy character in their lives.
Another person once wisely said, “Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.” Nothing is as infectious as a good example. Just look at Christ’s example. John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:19). Those who comprise the Church, spiritual Israel, have the capacity to go from carnal selfishness to selfless loving concern for our family, our neighbors and the brotherhood. Christ’s example was and is infectious, through the power of His Spirit, believers can truly love as He does!
Most of us do not live what you would call “high profile” lives. Most of us are not living and working in an environment where the “great” things of this world will bring us fleeting notoriety. God has instead, given us the opportunity to do a lot of little, but profound things well right now. How are we doing with the little, but profound things, that God has blessed us with? Are we developing true worth day by day? We can know by looking at the most important little things in our lives. All of these things pertain to family. God’s entire involvement with mankind centers on that very thing. Are we, day by day, deepening our love for our mate, our children, and the brotherhood? The example we set in these little things is a picture of our true worth.
From the Parable of the Talents, we know that Christ is focused on the few small things that are of greatest importance in our lives presently, day by day. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’” (Matthew 25:23).
Marshall Stiver
