The Small Things We Can Do

by Al Diestlekamp

A gospel song that recently has become a favorite of mine is "Room in God’s Kingdom," the lyrics of which acknowledge the value of “the small things that you can do.” While we need citizens in God’s kingdom who are able to tackle the “big” things, there’s a place for those who will do the lesser things.

The parable of the talents (Matthew 23:14-30) confirms the truth that God recognizes the potential as well as the limitations of individuals. The Master doesn’t expect a one-talent man to live up to the abilities of the five-talent or two-talent servants, but He does expect something from him. The apostle Paul quoted from Psalms 68:18 to make the point that Christ “gave gifts to men” with abilities in various measures. “for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7-16).

Of course, this cannot rightly be used as an excuse to be satisfied with doing the least you can get away with or not seeking to do the most you can do; but just as in physical life, a child is not expected to do everything an adult can do, the same is true of new Christians. Just as we don’t expect the aged to be able to do all they once did, this is sometimes true of “old soldiers” in the Kingdom.

As I write this, I am just a few days away from another one of those pesky annual reminders of the reason I am no longer able to do as much as I used to do. I am disappointed that I have lost some of my abilities, but I am not ashamed to admit it. For this reason, I’m pleased to report that the church in Sycamore, Illinois, where I have worked for 35 years, has asked Jackson Sneed to take on the full-time work here beginning May 21. Jackson was born and raised in northern Alabama and has since been living in Florida. We commend him for being willing to step out of his comfort zone to work in the North. He is married to Cassie (formerly Miller) who was raised in central Illinois.

Of course, I will continue to do what I can, supporting the truth from my front-row seat. I am reminded of brother Robert’s lyrics of another song we sing.

“Our elders, long in battle years,
Alas, begin to fade;
But from the ranks, young men appear,
And lead their first crusade”