Bible Thoughts

August 25, 2002

There is something about young children that should impress each of us. A little child is willing to love others in spite of one's appearance and background. Little children have not been indoctrinated as have those of us who are older. They look upon a person and trust a person even though the individual may not be as an adult would see the person. How different would be our world if we could have the trust of a little child in each of us. Jesus pointed out that one who would be great in His kingdom had to be as the little child: willing to accept and follow the Master. We must learn to become as the little children to please the Lord.

"And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities"(Luke 19:17).

One's willingness to serve is not proven by demonstrating some great feat, but how one handles even the least esteemed duty. Trust is manifest when a duty, no matter how small, is carried out. While looking for greatness, be sure to take care of the "minor" things. A cup of cold water for those who are thirsty, a morsel of food for the hungry, an encouraging word for the distressed, a kind deed for those who suffer, or a visit to a shut-in, may be the "little" thing that will ease the suffering of one in need. True greatness is demonstrated when a little time and effort is extended to those who need our encouragement and support.

"I know thy works(behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name"(Revelation 3:8).

The church in Philadelphia is one of those commended by the Lord for their faithfulness. They had a "little" power and that made it possible for the disciples to remain true to the word of God and not to turn away from the faith. Their "little power" was what was needed to keep them on the path of righteousness. In spite of the Judaizing teachers they faced, they held fast to the word of God. We do not know the size of the congregation(in numbers), but we do know that they were ready to face the trials that would come their way. Their "little power" kept them true to the word of God as they faced even the "synagogue of Satan." Never underestimate the power of a faithful congregation, whether they be few in number or large in membership.

"And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature"(Luke 19:3).

It is not the size of a man's stature but the size of his heart that counts. Zacchaeus had accomplished much in terms of this life. He was wealthy and he held a responsible political office. Yet, this man lacked something in his life. Hearing about Jesus Christ, he sought to see the Lord. His lack of tallness did not keep him from satisfying his desire. Zacchaeus knew what to do. He found a sycamore tree and climbed up so he could see over the crowd. The Lord rewarded Zacchaeus for his initiative by telling him, "Today is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham"(Luke 19:9). Let us remember this righteous man and the lesson he taught: Overcoming the adversities that one faces are the challenges that increase the faith and strength of a disciple.

"So the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things"(James 3:5a).

A large portion of the difficulties that arise in each life can be traced to the tongue. A word spoken in anger can stir up strife. A word of jealousy can create ill feelings. A promise made by the tongue but not kept has caused many disappointments. A little gossip can destroy a reputation. A word spoken without thinking has injured a relationship. A boast of what one can do is worth nothing unless the words are followed through by actions. The rest of the verse: "Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire"(James 3:5b).

"Know ye not that a little leaven leaventh the whole lump?"(I Corinthians 5:6).

The brethren at Corinth had a problem about fornication. They had not taken action in regard to those who were guilty and, in fact, did nothing to correct the situation. The sin of this couple had infected the others to the degree that were "puffed up" and "did not...mourn" about the conditions that existed. Using the illustration of leaven and its affect upon the ingredients that it touches, he warns them of their mistake. A little(?) sin can invade the life of a Christian and not be treated with the application of God's word, causing havoc in the spiritual welfare of the infected disciple. Such had happened at Corinth as they allowed fornication to occur, even to the point that they were "puffed up." Paul knew that a "little" toleration of evil would result in a spiritual epidemic. The way to deal with any sin is to see that it is immediately identified and corrected. If the guilty are not willing to repent, they are to be disciplined(I Corinthians 5:4-5).

"What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away"(James 4:14).

However many years one is able to live in this life, it is still a "little time." Hence, we are here but a short time. When we compare the length of our lives with eternity, it is impossible to make a valid comparison. One inspired man said, "Once I was young, now am old." How fast the years go by! We have only a "little" time as humans upon this earth. The "vapor" does not last: it disappears rapidly! James is trying to impress upon the ones to whom he wrote a sense of proper values. Making plans without considering the Lord is a tragic mistake that will cost one an eternal home in heaven. All plans and schemes should be approached with the phrase, "If the Lord will..."(James 4:15). Each of us has such a short time in this life, we must use the time to prepare for eternity. The Lord gave us the little time that we have to make that preparation.

Think on this

When it comes to giving of our means, the Lord does not look upon the amount that we give, but the sacrifice that is made. A poor widow may give more than a prosperous businessman in God's sight. Read Mark 12:41-44.

Someone said: "I have to try harder to like some folks than others." Just take time to work at it.