(Titus 2:6-7)
Another key to commitment is not to ever be too big to do the small things or too small to do the big things. This point came from the children’s minister at Agape Church. When he came on staff, he was called to work with children. He was very content and happy with what he was doing, but one day he was asked to be on our children’s TV program called Kids Like You.
Now this was all new to him. He thought, There is no way I could ever be on TV and play a role as one of the main characters.
But God was stretching and expanding him for the purpose of reaching more children. It is always in God’s plan to exalt you, but you will find that you must expand. This man had never once thought about being on television, but God had a plan. Sometimes we can miss God because when we see more responsibility, we are afraid we cannot handle it.
On the other hand, we cannot get to the place that we are too big to do the small things. Some leaders have the attitude that their position excuses them to do and say whatever they please. But the Bible is very clear that leaders have a judge also.
The law of sowing and reaping works for masters and servants alike. (Gal. 6:7.) Get lifted up by pride, and you are destined to fall. (Prov. 16:18.) If you are unteachable, you open the door to deception. Paul wrote that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought. (Rom. 12:3.) If we begin to think we are better than others, problems begin. Determine to keep a humble heart and think soberly about yourself; in time, God will exalt you.
- Examine your heart. Do you tend to think more highly of yourself that you ought, or do you sell yourself short?
- Seeing yourself as God sees you—nothing more and nothing less—is a great step toward maturity, and it will go a long way in making you a valuable armorbearer. When God knows that He can trust you to have the proper view of yourself, He will be able to trust you with greater responsibility.
- Let these verses motivate you to walk in humility and then claim the corresponding promises:
“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Prov. 29:23).
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4).
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12).
“Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
Heavenly Father, I know that in Your eyes, there are no big or little jobs. Obedience and the attitude of the heart are the primary things that matter to You. Help me to maintain a sober attitude toward myself so that I will always be humble enough to do the small things and never too fearful or intimidated to do the big things. I put my life into Your hands to do with me as You wish. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.