In this fast-paced world filled with big dreams and grand ambitions, it’s easy to overlook the little things. We often believe that God-sized means something big! We incorrectly conclude that for things to matter and be significant, they should be bigger. The world says success is about MORE customers, MORE sales, MORE influence, and MORE impact. In this article, we will explore four reasons why we tend to forget the significance of the small, mundane occurrences in our everyday lives. We will consider how time investments, fear of failure, feelings of entitlement, and selfish ambitions all play an important role in why we forget that little things mean a lot. By understanding these reasons, we can learn to cultivate a fruit-bearing life and a greater sense of mindfulness. So, let’s join Little Pot and the other vessels as they discover that the little things mean a lot.
Read more: Discover the 4 Reasons We Forget that Little Things Mean a Lot.
Small Matters. Don’t Despise the Little Things.
Have you ever considered how God uses small things to accomplish HIs bigger plans? Moses had only a walking stick. Additionally, David had a very small slingshot. Samuel was a small boy who heard God’s voice. Likewise, Jesus spoke of faith as small as a mustard seed. God has been challenging me lately to see how He focuses on the small.
Zechariah 4:10 reminds us that we shouldn’t despise the small things. This verse is a part of Zechariah’s dreams about oil, a lampstand, and two olive trees. While I’d love to stop and reflect more on the symbolism of the oil and lamp, I’ll keep going on the main topic of this post. However, if you’re curious about it, read this post about Oil Lamp and the feeling of Burnout.
During Zechariah’s dream, the people must have wondered if their small, minuscule tasks to rebuild the temple were significant in God’s coming Kingdom. I’m sure you wonder the same about the small tasks you do each day. I love the book of Zechariah and how it connects the Israelites, Jesus, and a new Heaven all together. Take a moment to watch the Bible Project’s overview of the book, and you’ll know what I mean.
Meanwhile, I have considered why I do not see that little things mean a lot. Why do I believe that when something is small, it is insignificant? A recent Bible Study helped me to consider four reasons. They all resonated with me. Especially number three.
Reason 1: The Little Costs a Lot
When something is small, it takes a lot of effort. When I became the principal of a small school, many people thought my job was easier than when I worked in a bigger, more prestigious educational system. They were wrong. Those institutions had many people to share the workload. But in a small company or something that is just beginning, you are alone and, therefore, must do more. I face the same challenges now that I work for a smaller publishing company, EA Books Publishing.
Small new things require a big investment of time, energy, and sacrifice. We compare our efforts to the results we can see and falsely believe the cost of doing small things is not worth it. However, I have seen the benefits parents, students, and authors gain by working with a small company. The individualized attention provides them with opportunities that are lost in big institutions. We can forget this when we only focus on big results.
Additionally, as companies grow, we have another reason to forget that little things mean a lot. That reason is the fear of failure.
Reason 2: A Little Fear, a Lot of Failure
The second reason we forget that little things mean a lot is the fear of failure. Fear is a powerful emotion that often keeps us from embracing God’s calling in our lives. Because we risk so much, fearing failure, rejection, and disappointment is easy. As a result, we prefer to focus on the big, grand gestures that already have success and validation. We believe that if we aim high and go after the big goals, we will be immune to failure and disappointment. However, this mindset can prevent us from fully experiencing the small pleasures and joys that come our way.
When we constantly strive for big achievements, we miss out on the small opportunities to grow the fruit of the Spirit. We become so fixated on avoiding failure that we forget the importance of taking small steps and learning from our mistakes. We develop resilience and appreciate the journey and the lessons it teaches us rather than solely focusing on a big result.
Overcoming the fear of failure requires a shift in mindset. Instead of viewing failure as something to be avoided at all costs, we can reframe it as a fruit-bearing opportunity. The little things can serve as reminders that failure is a natural part of life and that success is not solely defined by big achievements. By embracing small moments and using them as stepping stones towards success, we can cultivate the fruit of resilience and perseverance.
Reason 3: A Feeling of Entitlement
Do these statements sound familiar? “If God wanted me to do more, He would give me more.” “God wouldn’t want me to be uncomfortable.” “He wants me to be happy.” In today’s society, we are often bombarded with messages like these that tell us we deserve more. We feel entitled to bigger things in life. This sense of entitlement can prevent us from recognizing the significance of the little things. Consequently, we become so focused on what we believe we deserve that we fail to appreciate the small fruit-bearing opportunities that come our way.
Entitlement keeps us from moving forward in the faith required for God to grow His fruit through us. In the little things, we can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment by cultivating joy, peace, and patience. We can then give up our selfish ambition in exchange for a Godly ambition.
Reason 4: Our Selfish Ambition
Selfish ambition is another reason we forget the significance of the little things. A desire for personal gain, recognition, and success often drives us. We believe that the size of our achievements measures greatness. This mindset can overshadow the importance of the small, everyday acts that produce the fruit of love and kindness.
God typically calls us into little roles that do not appear successful, glamorous, important, influential, or valued. If He asks you to go or be something that seems small and insignificant, you can be sure He is at work. After all, He loves to reveal His strength through our weaknesses.
Conclusion: Little Things Mean a Lot
In conclusion, it is essential to remember that the little things mean a lot. The fruit of the Spirit grows through small acts of kindness as we patiently wait for bigger occasions. The small moments hold immense significance. Time investments, fear of failure, feelings of entitlement, and selfish ambitions can all contribute to our tendency to overlook the small things. However, by understanding these reasons and shifting our perspective, we can allow God to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, giving us a greater appreciation for the little things.
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