Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: Do what you can

Monday 11 May 2020

Do what you can

"She has done what she could." Mark 14:8. NKJV

Nothing we do for God is ever wasted. Whether it's a massive thing we do, or something that is done in the blink of an eye, it is relevant and useful to Him. In fact, He sees no difference. It can be a major thing that gets a lot of recognition in the world. On the other hand, it can be something that people do not notice. You can be. cleaner in a church or the pastor. To God, you are both doing an equally, worthy job.
We may not be able to do a great thing for God, but if each of us will do something, however small, much will be accomplished for Him and He will appreciate our efforts.

Zechariah 4:10 says, 'For who has despised the day of small things.'

People may look at what you have done and consider that it is very insignificant. Take for instance the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with very expensive oil of spikenard. There was an uproar because the onlookers started saying that the perfume could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. (Mark 14:3-9). However, Jesus said:

'Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. (7) For you have the poor with you always and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. (8) She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint my body for burial.' Mark 14:6-8

To the onlookers, this act was wrong. To Jesus, it was received as her act of love towards Him and He was not going to let her be overlooked. 'She has done what she could'.

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus is looking at the people putting their gifts into the treasury. Many are giving out of their vast wealth; but a poor widow comes along and puts in two mites, which was worth about an old penny in British money. This was not a lot but it was all the widow had. She gave everything. A small amount to many of the rich gentry, but a fortune in Jesus' eyes. She had done what she could and that was everything.

We should never despise the small tasks that people do, and we should consider ourselves worthy whether we clean toilets or preach the gospel. All is important to Jesus.

You may be struggling with the fact that the things you do for God are so small in comparison to others. Be encouraged, for the things you do are all recorded in Heaven and you will be rewarded for your hard and valued work. 'Yes but..' Yes but nothing, as long as you do what you can, God is blessed and when He is blessed, you in return will be blessed as well.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard