“Little
Things”
By
Ellen G. White
The
importance of the little things is often underrated because
they are small; but they supply much of the actual discipline
of life. There are really no nonessentials in the Christian's
life. Our character building will be full of peril while we
underrate the importance of the little things.
"He
that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
By unfaithfulness in even the smallest duties, man robs his
Maker of the service which is His due. This unfaithfulness
reacts upon himself. He fails of gaining the grace, the power,
the force of character, which may be received through an unreserved
surrender to God. Living apart from Christ he is subject to
Satan's temptations, and he makes mistakes in his work for
the Master. Because he is not guided by right principles in
little things, he fails to obey God in the great matters which
he regards as his special work. The defects cherished in dealing
with life's minor details pass into more important affairs.
He acts on the principles to which he has accustomed himself.
Thus actions repeated form habits, habits form character,
and by the character our destiny for time and for eternity
is decided.
Only
by faithfulness in the little things can the soul be trained
to act with fidelity under larger responsibilities. . . .
. In the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life He
desires us to reveal to men the principles of His kingdom.
Christ
in His life on earth taught the lesson of careful attention
to the little things. The great work of redemption weighed
continually upon His soul. As He was teaching and healing,
all the energies of mind and body were taxed to the utmost;
yet He noticed the most simple things in life and in nature.
His most instructive lessons were those in which by the simple
things of nature He illustrated the great truths of the kingdom
of God. He did not overlook the necessities of the humblest
of His servants. His ear heard every cry of need. He was awake
to the touch of the afflicted woman in the crowd; the very
slightest touch of faith brought a response. When He raised
from the dead the daughter of Jairus, He reminded her parents
that she must have something to eat. When by His own mighty
power He rose from the tomb, He did not disdain to fold and
put carefully in the proper place the graveclothes in which
He had been laid away.
The
work to which as Christians we are called is to co-operate
with Christ for the salvation of souls. This work we have
entered into covenant with Him to do. To neglect the work
is to prove disloyal to Christ. But in order to accomplish
this work we must follow His example of faithful, conscientious
attention to the little things. This is the secret of success
in every line of Christian effort and influence.
The
Lord desires His people to reach the highest round of the
ladder that they may glorify Him by possessing the ability
He is willing to bestow. Through the grace of God every provision
has been made for us to reveal that we act upon better plans
than those upon which the world acts. We are to show a superiority
in intellect, in understanding, in skill and knowledge, because
we believe in God and in His power to work upon human hearts.
But
those who have not a large endowment of gifts need not become
discouraged. Let them use what they have, faithfully guarding
every weak point in their characters, seeking by divine grace
to make it strong. Into every action of life we are to weave
faithfulness and loyalty, cultivating the attributes that
will enable us to accomplish the work. . . .
However
lowly, any work done for God with a full surrender of self
is as acceptable to Him as the highest service. No offering
is small that is given with true-heartedness and gladness
of soul.
Wherever
we may be, Christ bids us take up the duty that presents itself.
If this is in the home, take hold willingly and earnestly
to make home a pleasant place. If you are a mother, train
your children for Christ. This is as verily a work for God
as is that of the minister in the pulpit. If your duty is
in the kitchen, seek to be a perfect cook. Prepare food that
will be healthful, nourishing, and appetizing. And as you
employ the best ingredients in preparing food remember that
you are to give your mind the best thoughts. If it is your
work to till the soil or to engage in any other trade or occupation,
make a success of the present duty. Put your mind on what
you are doing. In all your work represent Christ. Do as He
would do in your place.
However
small your talent, God has a place for it. That one talent,
wisely used, will accomplish its appointed work. By faithfulness
in little duties, we are to work on the plan of addition,
and God will work for us on the plan of multiplication. These
littles will become the most precious influences in His work.
Let
a living faith run like threads of gold through the performance
of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work will
promote Christian growth. There will be a continual looking
unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to everything
that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of our talents,
we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher world.
This is true sanctification; for sanctification consists in
the cheerful performance of daily duties in perfect obedience
to the will of God.
From
Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 356-360.