The Little Things of Life

It has become apparent to me over the last few weeks, the multifaceted use of the term mustard seed in spiritual life. It is the smallest of seeds, but when it grows, it is as large as a tree where the birds of the tree can come and make their home.

First is its symbolism, its correlation to the way things are in life, how the issues that begin as small as a mustard seed, grow and manifest itself into larger, greater problems that are harder to manage. It is reflective of the mountains that grow from molehills and how important or more prudent it is to be diligent about the small issues so that they do not become mountains before moving them. It should be noted that, there are very few situations of faith that, if left unchecked when they are as small as a mustard seed, will not lead from temptation into sin.

Based on this scripture, we cannot afford to ignore even the slightest inclination of greed, lust, envy, spite, or anger to dwell in our hearts. We are well to run from not only indulging in these acts, but even to avoid the improprieties of them. How many of us have had to address issues that provide others with the idea that something is amiss in our actions?

Our faith life tends to want to lean to the dramatic, we sit waiting for the big event while ignoring the plenteous amounts of smaller but potentially as gripping big events. An act of kindness, no matter how small has the potential to grow into life changing events. A word of encouragement or direction can provide the key to dramatic changes. The seemingly small and ineffectual packs amazing potential when backed by the supernatural. Remember too that acts, or words said in the name of Jesus NEVER return without having fulfilled their intent. The book of James reminds us of the power of a small rudder to change the direction of a huge ship. the faithful should never underestimate the power of Jesus’ plan.

Lastly, the burdens that threaten to stifle us in our walk of faith are inconsequential to the power of Jesus to overcome them. That is a huge statement. We surmise sometimes that the weight we carry is too heavy to bear and yet the Bible tells us that though our yoke is heavy, and that His burden is light and easy for Him to carry. I guess in a way the parable of the mustard seed works in reverse to say that although the plague that has fallen over us, and that can sometimes cripple us would not even cause Jesus to break a sweat. Our broken hearts, sick and guilt ridden bodies, the chains of oppressions and addictions, our failings and frailties all, are lifted from us by a God whose love we cannot even begin to comprehend. That which confounds us and which we think challenges our God to change takes but a wave of His Hand to make right. It’s just the little things in life.