Bigger is always better – so they say.
We’ve all heard it. Many of us have tried living it.
I’m not sure we’re ever taught that belief, but most of us learn it at a young age. We grab for the largest present. Appreciate the tallest tree. Go after the fattest paycheck.
I am no different. I always wanted to purchase the biggest horse, own a large acreage, and make a huge difference in the world. I still do – want all three.
However, the truth is bigger isn’t always better. Some of the best things come in small packages. That prized ring you cherish. The small church group you’re a part of. And of course the tiny babe wrapped in swaddling clothes whose birth we’ll soon be celebrating.
Nevertheless, the pressure is on to achieve big. To have the dream job, to do it all, to effect change in a significant way in the lives of many.
I find the pull for bigness in my writing and speaking ministry. I catch myself gauging my worth by how many blog subscribers I have or how many Twitter followers or Facebook friends. This is a dangerous path to walk down.
What God calls us to, He equips us for. Burnout happens when we extend ourselves beyond what we are equipped for. We aren’t all called to a ministry to many.
We aren’t all supposed to have a book published, a national (or international) speaking platform, or a mega-following. We aren’t all meant to be the CEO of a corporation, a world-renowned surgeon, or a household name.
Some of us are called to unwrap the small presents.
A ministry to one is no less important than a ministry to many. Just ask that one. If you are reaching 10 people through your blog, that’s 10 who may not hear the Good News otherwise. Look how the Christian church spread – word of mouth beginning with 12 disciples and a handful of other followers.
Never sell yourself short. In God’s economy the least becomes the greatest. Don’t fall into the trap of seeing worth only in the big. Small may be big enough.
The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time. (Isaiah 60:22)
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (Luke 16:10)
Do you buy into the thought that bigger is always (or usually) better? Have you been striving to do big when God is calling you to smaller? What blessings have you seen in the littler things? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.
