Big and Small Tasks
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
But David said: My friends, don’t be so greedy with what the Lord has given us! The Lord protected us and gave us victory over the people who attacked. Who would pay attention to you, anyway? Soldiers who stay behind to guard the camp get as much as those who go into battle. (CEV)
After playing, Kai was asked to put away all the toys in the living room, and his brother Percy was asked to vacuum. Their mom told them they would each get three cookies after they cleaned up, but Kai thought Percy should get fewer cookies because he just vacuumed. However, their mom still gave them each three cookies! How do you think Percy felt? How do you think Kai felt?
King David made sure that everyone in his army got the same reward, even though some of them didn't do the same kind of work as others (1 Samuel 30:24). Some people stayed to guard the supplies, while others went on to fight. David wanted to show his soldiers that everyone had a part to play, and that all of the parts were important. He wanted to show them that God rewards both big and small tasks.
Do you sometimes feel like what you do for God doesn't seem very big, or that what others are doing is too small to matter much? Remember that God loves you no matter what you do, whether it is big or small. You can serve him joyfully in everything! When you see people get rewarded for the little things they do, don't get upset. Instead, be happy with them and encourage them that their work matters too!
Prayer
Father, thank you for loving me. Please help me to do my work for you. Help me to be happy for others when they get good things. Amen.Related Resources
Chris Wheeler
Chris Wheeler is a writer, liturgist, and poet currently based in northwest Indiana. He enjoys writing about faith, art, and fatherhood, and is passionate about offering creative language for the church to use worship. He recently published his first book of poetry, "Solace: Poems for the Broken Season,". He lives in Middlebury, IN in his childhood home, with his wife and five children under eight.