Little Things

If someone came to a friend and confessed that they cheated on their spouse, most people would judge that offense as a major sin, and they would be correct. In fact, “Don’t commit adultery is one of the ten commandments.” However, if another friend confided that they had been thinking about cheating on their wife to the point of fanta-sizing about the other woman, some people would tell the man that lusting is not a big deal. They probably would advise him to not worry about it, because he didn’t do any-thing wrong. Nevertheless, God doesn’t think like humanity. The Creator of the uni-verse has a higher standard. If Jesus was counseling the friend he would have stated, “But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adul-tery with her in his heart.” (Mathew 5:28 - ESV) In other words, what seemed to be mi-nuscule and meaningless is actually a big deal. I think the quote by Charles Comiskey says it all, “It is the small things in life which count; it is the inconsequential leak which empties the biggest reservoir.”

A Big Difference

If we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us some small areas that need some work, we would probably be surprised at how changing these small things could make a big dif-ference in our relationships and our peace of mind. Tiny areas such as our thoughts, words and attitudes make a huge impact in the atmosphere of our homes, jobs, and churches. The Bible says in Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV) “Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” Don’t allow those little foxes to hinder the blessings God has for you or destroy what God has given you like your relationships. I challenge you to pray about changing something small in your character, and watch how it transforms your life and affects those around you.

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father, you are great and greatly to be praised. Nothing is small about you, but you do notice details. You pay attention to what seems insignifi-cant to others, like giving a number to every hair on my head. Wow! You are an amaz-ing God. I believe that you desire for me to be aware of the small things in my life that can affect me in a big way like my attitude, thoughts, words etc. Forgive me for sweep-ing under the rug the sin that I felt wasn’t important. Please remind me to confess all my sins to you, because you are a merciful God. Lord, I ask you to help me to not com-promise in the little things, but to always strive to do what is right, because it is right and because it pleases you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” life. Even the egg became a symbol of the stone rolled away opening Jesus’ tomb and serving as a reminder of the Scripture, that, “He is not here, but is risen.”

Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testimony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak.

The hardboiled egg itself came to represent the tomb in which Jesus lay for three days.

New clothes – In the early church, those who were baptized at the Easter Vigil wore their new white robes all during Easter week as a symbol of new life in Christ. Those baptized in previous years wore new clothes to indicate their oneness in new life. The Easter lily – It is a symbol of purity and the radiance of the Lord’s risen life. Jellybeans, peeps, chocolate rabbits – all became symbols of “sweet appeals” for hundreds of years; images for where things are reborn, fresh, new, and of happiness, when one can celebrate all the good in the world.

All of these symbols are cool and fun, but what is Easter really about for Christians? Isn’t Easter about Jesus, the One sent to earth to suffer and die for us all? He died to save us from our sin. After three days in the tomb, He was resurrected so we could have life.

For over 2,000 years

Christians the world over and in a variety of cultures, have celebrated His resurrection. We paint eggs; we don new clothes; we decorate with flowers; we wish each other Easter happiness and the true joy of Christ bringing life to all. He is risen; He is risen, indeed!

Shady Grove Baptist Church calendar

Shady Grove Baptist Church, 3240 Tryon Courthouse Rd., Cherryville, meets every Sunday at 8:45 a.m., for

Sunday School; and at 10 a.m., for Worship Service. They also meet Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., for Adult Small Groups and Youth