Resources/Articles
Little Things Make A Big Difference
All of us know a few little things can add up to big things. A small hole in a pipe can leak hundreds of gallons. A drip can soon fill a bucket. A lit match can cause a forest fire. A dollar saved can add up to several dollars if put aside on a regular basis.
There are a few little things we can do in Jesus’ name to make a difference. A smile can make a big difference to someone faint of heart. Someone said “a smile is a curve that sets a lot of things straight.” For Christians, there is an opportunity to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4). Sometimes our worship can be more like a funeral than a celebration of God’s grace and glory. It hurts no one to smile, not even the person smiling. It can encourage the discouraged, brighten the day of those who are suffering, and enrich a relationship that might be hurting. It is a little thing, but a lot of smiling people can make a difference.
A kind word has great potential. We miss opportunities to teach and reach people because we often walk by them as if they are not even there. We lose the chance to enrich our own lives. It is true everyone can speak a kind word and at least make an attempt to meet and know someone new. “Be kind one to another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “let your speech always be with grace” (Colossians 4:6).
It has been said a small lie leads to a bigger lie. Therefore, telling one word of truth can make a difference toward knowledge and understanding. So many people are being deceived today by dishonesty from the people at home to the people sworn to uphold the law. “Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). The just and honorable thing to say to anyone in any relationship is the truth. Why can we not say “yes” or “no” and mean it? Trusting someone is always dependent on another’s consistent words of truth. Imagine how much we depend on God to consistently tell us the truth (John 17:17; Titus 1:2). One word of truth can make a big difference.
An invitation is a small thing with potential greatness. It has almost become proverbial that people do not get dates and things done because no one asks. We often think about doing something and sometimes plan to talk with someone about it, but we never get around to saying it. “Come over and have a cup of coffee with me.” “We want you to come for a Bible study.” “Let’s go to hear a gospel sermon.” These are simple, little statements which produce wonderful results. Perhaps we fear rejection. Just remember somebody, sometime will say yes. One little invitation is all it took for Peter to find Jesus. It can make a big difference.
