Small actions, big results!

Small actions, big results!

I’ve always been an all or nothing type of person. Growing up, I typically had the mentality, especially in sports, that if I can’t win or excel in something, why do it at all? As I have grown, I have mellowed quite a bit and learned to enjoy the journey. I feel like many people, including myself, are guilty of having that type of mentality when it comes to living on mission for God. We may feel like if we can’t change the world or achieve huge, great things for God, why bother doing anything at all? Maybe you’ve experienced this… Think about a time when a friend or acquaintance has been in need. Let’s say they need to raise thousands of dollars for an important cause, for example. You may not be able to give a significant amount, so you opt just to not give anything at all.

This became real to me over the last couple weeks. I recently was asked by a friend of mine to be her accountability work-out partner this summer to help her get in shape. I encouraged her to strive to be active at least 30 minutes a day. In my own pursuit to live up to my word, I have been striving to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Some days, those 30 minutes are action packed with sprints and long distance jogs. Other days, I achieve those minutes by chasing 3 year olds around the backyard. Initially, I felt like if I couldn’t do a hardcore, high intensity workout, then it’s not even worth it. I am quickly realizing that every little bit counts. Some days when running is the last thing I want to do, I simply walk around the block and do stretches. In the past, what I may have viewed as a failure (in the workout sense) really are stepping stones that lead to growth, strength, and endurance. I am learning more and more everyday that if I just do what I can (even when it’s seemingly small or insignificant), the little steps that I take lead to big growth.

Now, back to living on mission – when the crowds asked John the Baptist about what they should do to live for God, John replied:

“If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Luke 3:11 (NLT)

I love how simple he makes it! He doesn’t require anything hard or unobtainable. He simply says that if we have extra – share! If we have two, give one away. He never says, share only if you can help everyone. So why do we often think that if we can’t make a significant, life-altering change in the lives of many, then it’s not worth doing anything at all?

Today, I want to challenge you to stop with the “all or nothing” attitude when it comes to helping others and consider that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. We must learn to make a lifestyle of small, daily, selfless choices and let God handle the multiplication and the impact. After all, the little boy only gave 3 fish and 2 loaves to the disciples. It was not enough to feed everyone; it was hardly enough to feed a single family! But when our offerings and acts are humbly submitted to Jesus, he can multiply them in extraordinary ways. So, let’s give of our time, energy, and resources what we can, and let God do the rest.

Buy someone a meal

Call and encourage a friend

Drop off clothes to those in need

Mow someone’s yard

Sponsor a child at www.sparrowmissions.com (Justin made me write that)

Support someone in financial need

Babysit for a single mom

Forgive someone

Whatever it may be, no matter how big or how small – do what you can to serve others, show them the love of God, and nudge them towards Jesus.

“No act of kindness is ever wasted”

 

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