[260 words]
We must not despise “the day of small things” (Zech 4: 10). The flame emerging from a match when it is struck is little, but “behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!” (James 3:5). “A cup of cold water only” is a small gift, but Jesus promised that the donor “shall not lose his reward” (Matt 10:42).
A church member noticed in the bulletin the name of someone who had place membership. She obtained a “welcome” card and mailed it to the newcomer. A small thing—or was it small? “Greet the friends by name” (3 John 14). “Be tenderly affectionate to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10).
Someone drove a considerable distance out of the way to pick up a child who could not have come to Bible School alone. What was in the heart of that “someone”? How much is a child worth?
According to Jesus, to cause a child to stumble is worse than drowning oneself with a rock tied to his neck (Matthew 18:6). If so, how much good has been done when one helps a child?
Someone telephoned that she has been ill three weeks, and would it be safe to mail in her contribution? Is it a small matter with the Lord that we carry out the “purpose” that we made to give, perhaps early in the year? The Holy Spirit told some Christians that, just as there was a desire and a purpose to give, “Now complete the doing” (2 Cor. 8:11-12).
Hugo McCord
December 16, 1973
Merkel (TX) Church of Christ