Little Things, Big Results

Little things can make a difference in a person’s day: a smile, a word of encouragement, a timely visit, or a look of dismissal and ignoring a need—little acts of kindness or rudeness and neglect matter. A few words hastily spoken or spreading a malicious rumor with a tongue that needs bridling can start a fire, one from hell (James 3:5–6)—unchecked words matter. David’s confidence wasn’t in the little stone he put in a sling to bring down the greatly feared Goliath; his trust was in mighty God, the One he believed in and had proven Himself faithful. Abraham and Sarah told little “white lies,” saying they were brother and sister to save Abraham’s life. So, the king took Sarah for himself. But God told him they were husband and wife in a dream, and had the king not released her, God would have destroyed him and all his possessions (Genesis 20:2–12). There are no little lies, and none are white—all lies are sin-stained and costly.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). God sees (and hears) everything. The littlest actions and only a few words can change the development of someone’s day. What we do and say governs if it will be for better or worse.