Significance (1)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” Matthew 6:33

Making the insignificant significant. When we look at what is truly important, what is significant in life, we need to look through the eyes of God our Creator. What if God makes things we think are insignificant, significant?

Little children. When people brought young children to Jesus to bless them, “…the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, but His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mk 10:13-16). Do we see the blessing in small things, like children, that Jesus saw? Do we see their true importance – both as the future of God’s kingdom and as examples to us as the kind of hearts that will bring us to the kingdom. If we don’t see this significance we “…will by no means enter it.”

A cup of water. “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Mk 9:41). This is not encouraging doing the bare minimum or less than we are able to do, but it is showing that Jesus values all that we do – even if it seems insignificant or something that anyone else could do. When we do what is right to the best of our ability it is of worth to Christ. Others may not think our actions to be of much significance (and others may have greater abilities and opportunities), but “small” things can be of great value to God.

Two small coins. As Jesus sat in the temple He saw many rich put in large amounts of money into the treasury. “Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Him and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood’” (Mk 12:41-44). This challenges us to give more, not less – to be sacrificial in our service to God. And don’t say, “I can’t do much so nothing is required of me,” or, “My small part won’t make a significant difference.” God sees more than the physical amount – He sees the heart, the dedication, the sacrifice – these are independent of quantity.

We need to look through the eyes of God and see what is really significant in life.    dd