It's the little things that matter

Who despises the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10


I am watching the Cubs lose in the playoffs. What is new? I must say that I am embarrassed by the Cubs performance. It is in stark contrast to the play of the Arizona D-backs. The Cubs seem to play with a sense of entitlement. I totally do not understand this. You would think that if you have not won a World Series in 99 years, you would play with a little more urgency. But it seems we will not be able to shed the lovable losers tag. Time to start saying, "wait till next year." And celebrate 100 years of futility.

I am impressed with the D-backs team. It is a young upstart team. They were not expected to even make the playoffs, yet they had the best record in the National League. I can see why. What I notice about their team is that they do the little things well. They take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to them. They take nothing for granted. They hustle and run out every play.

It got me thinking about ministry in the Church. Ministry is not something to be taken for granted. It is not something to perform with a sense of entitlement.

We have the power of the Holy Spirit on our side, but that does not mean we are entitled to anything. The Church cannot fall to the mentality that if we build it they will come.

I was sharing with Bob Kessler, the chairman of our Elders, a couple of nights ago that the most significant ministry we will ever do is insignificant minstry. As I watch this baseball game, I see the reason why the D-backs are winning is because they are doing the little things not just well, but very well.

As a Church I believe we need to do the little things well. These are the seemingly insignificant things. Make sure every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed. To welcome every single individual that comes through the door. It is showing appreciation and gratitude to each and every servant. It is making sure we are organized and fully prepared. It is taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.

This is the difference between good and great. The little things! The insignificant things! These are the big things!

We have plenty of reason to be great, because we have got the most important mission in all the earth. But were not going to accomplish the great unless we take care of the insignificant. Jesus says, to be great you must be the servant of all.