Little Things

The first attempt to dig the Panama Canal across the Isthmus of Panama was made by a French company. Thousands of men and tons of machinery tackled the remote mountains and thick jungles. After millions of dollars had been spent, however, the project was abandoned, not because of the mountains but because of the mosquitoes. Yellow fever from mosquitoes killed thousands. It was not until American doctors found ways of protecting people against mosquitoes that the project was resumed, this time by Americans. When the mosquitoes were taken care of, the mountains soon succumbed. There is a huge difference between the size of mountains and the size of mosquitoes, yet it was the mosquitoes, not the mountains, that kept the canal project from succeeding. Many more people perished from the bite of little mosquitoes than from the dangers lurking in the mountains.While so many of us are on guard against the “big things,” many ignore the areas that are most destructive to their Christian walk. Most of you are not struggling with adultery, grand theft, or murderous crimes. But how many of us are daily doing battle with spiritual mosquitoes – gossiping, griping, anger, snap judgments, or impure thoughts. It is only when we begin to enjoy victory in these little areas that we will know what it is to make meaningful spiritual progress.Perhaps this is why Jesus spent so much time addressing the “little things” of the heart. His followers: Peter, John, Paul and James seemed to get the message as well and they passed it on. So much of the New Testament addresses the battle we need to wage over the little enemies, which quietly and quickly burrow under our skin. Those little attitudes of pessimism or ingratitude can quickly destroy an outlook. And once the festering begins, these invaders spread to others. Let’s be on guard!Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.”  (Luke 16:10)So what little enemy has established a beachhead on you? Kill it! It is doing more damage than you think.