Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Mother Teresa
Praying
When all we can do is pray, praying is all we should do, whether it’s for ourselves or for others. I have strived to stop putting myself first in my prayer life and try to pray that God use me to glorify Him, even if it’s at my expense. If it takes being humiliated in front of nonbelievers for sharing my faith, I can take it. I admit it hurts, but even this small thing may plant a seed that someone waters. That small witness might be all it takes. Remember, the mustard seed is small, too; but look what happens to it!
Serving
If you have nothing else but time, then time is plenty enough because it takes only a small bit of serving to go a long way in other people’s lives. A small amount of oil keeps heavy machinery moving. It may not be a great thing, but it will be a faithful thing. Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). He didn’t say those who are only faithful in much will be faithful in much, rather if you’re faithful in little; and little things can add up to big things when done in love.
Giving
Is there a minimum of something good you can give? No, not according to Jesus, Who said, “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41). That means nothing is too small when given to others, even if it’s only a drink of water! Most of us can give more than that, but we should at least give something. I don’t mean out of legalism or necessity but from a cheerful heart. Is it a sin to never give anything to anyone? Solomon wrote, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27).
Loving
When we pray for others, when we serve others, and when we give to others, if it’s not done in love, then it’s useless. If we’re not motivated by love, we are doing it to be seen by others and receive their praise. When we pray, serve, and give in love, these small things make so much more of a difference. As a child, I’d rather have someone who loved me put a Band-Aid on my “ouchy” rather than someone who didn’t like me.
Conclusion
The greatest thing Mother Teresa ever gave was her unconditional love. She knew from experience that “not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” There is such wisdom in those words, and we would be wise to follow this godly woman’s advice. We can make a difference in many ways, even if it seems they’re the most insignificant things, if it’s done in love.
