Despise Not Small Beginnings
The worldly are chasing the easy return. Most dream of quick success – but few put in the effort proportionate to the reward.
In this world, those who capitalise upon the dreams and desires of those seeking quick fortunes, make fortunes. Yet, in the game of life, only those who diligently apply the rules in sweat and tears will reap the reward. There is no deception here.
You can play truant from school. You can take short-cuts, cut corners, skimp on materials or shirk responsibilities. You may get away with it, but you are the loser. The easy life ends up being the hard road. Character building has been short-changed. Frugal habits will soon begin to manifest themselves elsewhere. A weak foundation is laid. The building is flawed. Sin lies at the door; temptation awaits an easy prey.
“For who hath despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10
How often small things are held in disdain. Yet that very small act sets the mould.
“Throughout the history of God’s people great mountains of difficulty, apparently insurmountable, have loomed up before those who were trying to carry out the purposes of Heaven. Such obstacles are permitted by the Lord as a test of faith. When we are hedged about on every side, this is the time above all others to trust in God and in the power of His Spirit. The exercise of a living faith means an increase of spiritual strength and the development of an unfaltering trust. It is thus that the soul becomes a conquering power. Before the demand of faith, the obstacles placed by Satan across the pathway of the Christian will disappear; for the powers of heaven will come to his aid. ‘Nothing shall be impossible unto you.’
“The way of the world is to begin with pomp and boasting. God’s way is to make the day of small things the beginning of the glorious triumph of truth and righteousness. Sometimes He trains His workers by bringing to them disappointment and apparent failure. It is His purpose that they shall learn to master difficulties.” Conflict and Courage p. 258.
“Them that honour me I will honour.” 1 Sam. 2:30
My mother-in-law purchased a set of saucepans. Later, unpacking the new parcel, it was discovered that there was an extra saucepan in the box. Returning it to the shop, the attendant was surprised at the simple honesty that lost an opportunity for personal gain. “I would never let a saucepan keep me out of heaven,” was the reply.
~ Article written by Peter Jackson