A Little Goes A Long Way
Thursday, September 5
Matthew 13:31-34 (NKJV)
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them…”
Devotion
Jesus left the house to go and sit by the sea. A great multitude followed him in hopes of hearing his divine wisdom. He sat in a boat. They stood on the shore listening. Then, he started teaching in parables. Two of the parables he taught were about seemingly small things - a mustard seed and leaven.
Has anyone ever said to you: “be careful, a little goes a long way”? That’s the principle of these two parables. A little bit of Jesus, added into our lives, goes a long way.
Both the mustard seed and the leaven are small things that, when added into the right
environment, can have powerful effects. In the case of the mustard seed: a little seed, sowed into the right field, grew into a tree that ultimately provided a source for nesting. Recall though, this isn’t the only time Jesus used a mustard seed in a teaching - Jesus also taught that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can command mountains to move. The lesson being, a little faith goes a long way!
These parables teach that we can sow the principles of Jesus and his Kingdom into our daily lives, even in seemingly small areas, and yield significant results. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Who knows, maybe your next small act of kindness or sharing of faith, sown into the right environment, will have a divine outcome. Be careful, a little goes a long way.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the times You have taken my little bit of effort and caused it to be sufficient, even when I felt it wouldn’t be. I ask that You continue to use me to reach others for Your Kingdom, as I apply my faith, even when it is small, and believe for Your provision. Lead me as I lead others to You through my words and actions. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Give some serious thought to a person to whom you may be a witness of Christ’s amazing love. Pray over that person and ask God to lead you to be His instrument in reaching them, then step out in faith as He makes a way.
Resources
- Watch the message, “Little By Little”, and be encouraged to take steps of faith in living for God, no matter how small.
- It’s time to walk in your calling and serve God with your gifts. Find out what Serve Opportunities we have available in person and online.