Dennis Gulledge
In Zechariah 4:10 the question is asked, “Who hath despised the day of small things?” This has reference to the rebuilding of the Jewish temple after 70 years of exile. They were trying to rebuild what was lost in captivity.
In the reconstruction of the temple, the criticism was heard that it was not like Solomon’s edifice of old. The old-timers lamented the occasion: “But many of the priests and Levites and heads of father’s houses, the old men that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice” (Ezra 3:12). To the people it was “nothing” compared to the first temple (Haggai 2:3). But the message of the prophets was that size makes no difference. Haggai wrote, “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts” (2:9).
We live in a day that despises small things and equates bigness with greatness. Big names! Big news! Big houses! Big money! Everything else goes unnoticed. The love of bigness has crept into the church of Christ as well. We are impressed with big-name preachers conducting big “workshops” and “seminars” for big congregations and bringing in big crowds. Church activities must gain much attention, or they are considered of little or no value. The five-talent man makes the two-talent man appear utterly insignificant. Because of this many become discouraged.
(1) Who despises small things? There are many who do not. Bankers do not, because pennies balance books. Doctors do not, because drops can be fatal. Teachers do not, because ABC’s make scholars. Angels do not; they rejoice over just one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). Jesus does not. He warned us not to despise even one disciple (Matt. 18:10). God does not. He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Matt.6:26-30). Man, with his lack of foresight, vision, and faith often times despises small things. Sometimes Christians despise small things. And in the spirit of Naaman, because they cannot do some great thing, they would leave off the doing all together (2 Kings 5:13).
(2) Our conception of small things may be faulty. This was the fault of those Jews in Haggai’s and Zechariah's day. They felt that because of the planned rebuilding of the temple was far removed from the glory and grandeur of Solomon’s temple, it was insignificant from start to finish. But God had great plans for that temple. It was small only in their misconceived notion of what smallness is.
Consider also, for example, that there were no small kindnesses. That is, they are not small in the good they do. Never underestimate the power of little deeds of love and kindness that are done. Jesus did not (Luke 7:36-37; 17:11-18). There are no small abilities in the Lord’s service. The parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30) teaches that every Christian must be active in his service for the Lord, and that everyone has at least some ability to use for the Lord. There is a dangerous disposition on the part of some that their abilities are small, and they are, therefore, excused on that basis (i.e., the “one-talent man”). But God asks no more of anyone than that which he has the ability to do for Him (Mark 14:3-9).
There are no small decisions in your life. Reality teaches that there are very few of life’s decisions which are “small”, at least in consequence. Some decide they will cheat a little here and lie a little there. Then, once it is done, more is required to cover it up. Some decide a little whiskey won’t hurt them, and then they find themselves on the road to alcoholism with no stopping point. No one ever became an alcoholic without taking the first drink. Some decide they will make a little extra money in a shady deal. The next time it becomes easier to do, there is the prospect of even more money, and the shadow gets bigger. Some decide that it is a matter of no consequence if they should skip Bible study on Wednesday evenings or worship on Sunday nights. Then it becomes easier to excuse themselves from other areas of the Lord’s work as well. Consider your decisions, but do not consider any decision of small consequence!
There are no small sins. We have our definition of “small sins” and “big sins”. Small sins are the ones we commit. Big sins are the same ones committed by someone else. We talk about “white lies”, “little affairs”, and “shortcomings”, but in reality any violation of God’s law is sin (I John 3:4). All sin carries an eternal penalty even though not all sins are the same in physical consequence.
(3) Apply this to your service for the Master. We sometimes overlook small things in our search for great things, and end up doing nothing. Yet, we are not prepared for great things unless we have cared for the small things. Jesus said, “He that is faithful in very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is also unrighteous in much. If, therefore, ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:10-11).
There is a difference in honoring small things and being content with smallness. When we honor small things we do as the Lord Himself has done. When we are content with smallness, we do as He never did and does not approve of. May we seek much knowledge of heaven’s truth, strong faith in Christ, ardent love of God, His word and each other, and bear much fruit. May we aim at enlarged and extensive usefulness in the kingdom of Christ.
—Christian Messenger, Sept. 22, 2022
Vol. XLIII, No. 38.