Small Things: Their Importance in God’s Plan

In Zechariah 4:10, the prophet asks, “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (KJV). This question challenges us to value small things, recognizing their significance in God’s eyes. Life is composed of countless small moments and actions that, though seemingly insignificant, can have eternal consequences. The Bible repeatedly highlights the importance of small things—both as warnings and as opportunities to glorify God.

Small Things That Bring Harm

Scripture provides numerous examples of how small acts of disobedience or neglect can lead to significant harm:

Moses Striking the Rock (Numbers 20:10-12): In a moment of frustration, Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded. This small act of disobedience cost him entry into the Promised Land, teaching us that even minor deviations from God’s instructions carry weight.
The Sin of Achan (Joshua 7): Achan’s decision to take a small portion of the spoils—a Babylonian garment, silver, and gold—brought disaster upon Israel, resulting in their defeat at Ai and the punishment of Achan’s family. This demonstrates how hidden sins can have widespread consequences.
The Power of the Tongue (James 3:5-6): “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (KJV). A single word can spark division and destruction, reminding us to guard our speech.
Offering Unacceptable Worship (Isaiah 65:3): God condemned Israel for offering incense on altars of brick rather than the stone altars He commanded (Exodus 20:25). This shows that even small deviations in worship reflect a lack of reverence for God.

These examples remind us to be vigilant, recognizing that small acts of disobedience can lead to significant spiritual consequences.

Small Things That Glorify God

While small things can bring harm, they also have great potential to glorify God when used faithfully:

Mary’s Anointing of Jesus (John 12:1-8): Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume was a small but meaningful expression of her devotion. Jesus commended her, saying, “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:8, KJV). This teaches us that no act of love for Christ is insignificant.
The Widow’s Two Mites (Luke 21:1-4): While others gave out of their abundance, a poor widow gave two small coins, yet Jesus said, “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all” (Luke 21:3, KJV). God values the heart behind the gift, not its size.
Andrew Bringing the Boy to Jesus (John 6:8-9): Andrew brought a boy with “five barley loaves, and two small fishes” (KJV) to Jesus. This small offering, when placed in the hands of Christ, fed thousands. God can use even the smallest contributions to accomplish great things.

These stories encourage us to offer whatever we have to God, trusting Him to multiply our efforts for His glory.

Small Words That Carry Big Meaning

Even the smallest words in Scripture convey profound truths, underscoring the importance of God’s word:

“Is” (Hebrews 11:6): “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (KJV). This small word emphasizes the absolute necessity of faith in our relationship with God.
“If” (Galatians 6:9): “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (KJV). This conditional word highlights the importance of perseverance in doing good.
“For” (Matthew 26:28): Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (KJV). This word connects Christ’s sacrifice to the forgiveness of sins, emphasizing the purpose of His death.
“That” (Romans 6:4): “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (KJV). This small word ties the act of baptism to the power of Christ’s resurrection.
“Then” (Romans 6:17-18): “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (KJV). The word “then” marks the moment of transformation, when obedience to God’s word leads to freedom from sin and a life of righteousness.

These small words illustrate the depth and precision of God’s word, calling us to careful study and application.

Small Habits That Reflect Christ

Small, everyday habits can have a profound impact on how we reflect Christ to others. Consider these practical examples:

Punctuality: Arriving on time for worship or service demonstrates respect for God and others.
Reverence and Quietness: Maintaining an attitude of reverence during worship fosters a spirit of respect and devotion.
Courtesy and Friendliness: Simple acts like greeting visitors and showing kindness reflect the love of Christ. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (KJV).

By practicing these small habits, we can create an environment that honors God and encourages others.

Conclusion: Do Not Despise Small Things

Small things matter deeply to God. Whether avoiding small sins or embracing small acts of faith, we honor Him by attending to the details of our lives. As Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, we must not “despise the day of small things” (KJV). Instead, let us commit to being faithful in the little things, trusting that God can use even the smallest efforts for His glory.

Through small acts of obedience, service, and faithfulness, we demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom. May we never underestimate the power of small things to bring about big results in God’s plan. Let us remain faithful in the little, knowing that “whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV).