The smallest place

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. — Colossians 3:23

One of England’s most admired heroes, General Charles Gordon (1833-1885), was a devout Christian. Unconcerned about status and wealth, he was passionately ambitious to do God’s will. Gordon desired to serve the Lord faithfully, whether it was a big responsibility or a small, unnoticed task.

In a letter to a friend, he said that “governing huge countries, or . . . occupying the smallest place are the same in reality, for Christ rules events as much with respect to . . . government as He does in . . . little affairs.”

Do we believe, as Gordon did, that Jesus Christ is the omnipotent ruler of everything? Do we remember that He is Lord over our own “little affairs,” as well as over the governments of “huge countries”? Do we recoganize that everything, big or small, is to be done “as to the Lord and not to men”? (Colossians 3:23).

If we recognize these truths, we will not grumble because God assigns us the “smallest place” rather than a position of prominence and great responsibility. Even if our situation in life is considered lowly by some, we can do all things as to the Lord and for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Father, by Your Spirit, enable me to serve and glorify You, no matter where You’ve placed me. Amen!

— Vernon Grounds

Does the place you’re called to labor

Seem so small and little known?

It is great if God is in it,

And He’ll not forget His own.

— Suffield

READ: Ephesians 6:5-9

Little is much when God is in it.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 13-16