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God can do a lot with a little. In John Chapter 6 we see a story of a little boy’s lunch. If you’re not familiar with this story, people had been following Jesus around for days. They start to get hangry. You know how that feels. You’re frustrated and hungry and it’s all wrapped into one emotion. Tempers can flare when food gets involved…am I right?
This large crowd of people that numbers in the thousands are hungry! Jesus says we need to feed them. The disciples were confused. It would take over 200 days wages to feed these people. But they obey Jesus and go out and look for some food anyway. When they come back I’m sure they were ashamed. They come back with a sack with 5 rolls in it and two small fish, they weren’t even big fish! Maybe they were thinking “Listen Jesus, I know this isn’t a lot but maybe we can chew on this while we think about how to feed the rest of these people.” But Jesus says “no, no, that’s fine. Let me have it. Get the crowd to sit down and we are going feed them.” I’m sure the disciples thought He was a few peas short of a casserole.
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” – John 6:10-14
That boy didn’t have much, but Jesus took his little and made it into a lot. Jesus took this little and turned it into enough with some left over! God doesn’t ask you to bring a lot, he just asks that you bring your little. God uses little things to do big things. God can take your little and multiply it in ways you can’t believe. See, God’s not asking you today to give what others give, or do what others do, God is asking you to bring your little. Contribute what you have. If I could tell one thing to all the world it would be this – God’s way is the best way. Not only is giving your life to Christ the right thing to do, it is in your best interest!
One thing we all have in common is we each have time, talents, and treasures that we can bring to the table! You might not have as much time as the person next to you. Your best talent might be painting a wall, not preaching to the masses. You might only have a widow’s mite, but you have what you have and you can give what you can give.
What is so amazing is that little boy got to participate in one of Jesus’ miracles, and what he brought to the table blessed over 5,000 people! This church is an outward-facing church! When you give of your time, talents, and treasures here it will bless this whole community! We believe the Bible teaches whole-life stewardship: that everything we have is God’s and that we are to use what God has given us to be a blessing to others. We believe God expects every member of CBC to serve God (and others) by investing time and using their God-given gifts, passions, and abilities (talents). “Do what you do well for the glory of God strategically for the mission of God.” – J.D. Greear
Where are your resources going? We have a limited amount of time! Are you using your resources in a way that will last past this life? Are you using up your limited time on this earth for this life or for the next? Are you using your talents to bring Glory to yourself or to God? We don’t know the name of the little boy that gave His lunch, but I imagine He was just happy to give his little and see Jesus do a lot with it. Are you living this life like there is a next life?
Where are your resources going? It has been said, “You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.” Good stewardship recognizes the fact that God owns everything I have; I am just the manager.
We have tackled giving of our time and our treasure. Next is the one we are all uncomfortably talking about – our treasures… or in other words, our “CASH.” For centuries, God’s work has been supported by the tithes and offerings of God’s people. Adrian Rogers said, “The consecration that doesn’t reach the pocketbook has never reached the heart.” Surrender to Christ doesn’t pick and choose. All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give! The greatest ability is availability. All you can bring is what you have.
God doesn’t ask you to bring a lot, he just asks that you bring your little. God uses little things to do big things. God can take your little and multiply it in ways you can’t believe. Are you living for this life or the next? Are you giving of your time, talent, and treasure? Our goal at CBC is to be a giving church and to get to the point where we give like we won’t run out!
“Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world.” – Anonymous
In Christ,
Pastor Phil