I have always been on the small-ish side of things.
I don’t mean small-minded or super small in girth, but small in stature.
That’s right. I am short.
On a good day I reach the incredible heights of five feet, two inches.
I was “that kid” who never debated my place in line on class picture day. It was always front row on one of the ends, so my short little self could be seen long after we said cheese and the film was developed.
Being short has it’s challenges. I can’t reach the upper cabinet shelves without getting a chair. Climbing over gates at the fair or in the hog barn was never as easy for me as it was for my long-legged comrades. Keeping up with the strides of my husband when we hike seems to leave me nearly breathless.
But as we work through this series and take a little “Walk Through the Parables,” I have been reminded of a very important truth: Sometimes the biggest adventures and blessings come from the smallest starts.
Case in point: The Parable of the Mustard Seed. Take a look at what Jesus has to say about it:
“Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” ~Luke 13:18-19
Hmm… So the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, huh? What does that mean for us?
It means that the smallest of the smallest can become something great. Just a little faith, that the size of a mustard seed, can grow and blossom into a movement that changes all eternity.
Does that thought get you pumped up? It sure motivates me.
Have you ever actually seen a mustard seed? They are pretty tiny– just a smidge bigger than a pin head. Did you know that back in biblical days, the mustard plant was actually considered a noxious weed? Just one seed planted could take over an entire garden area… Not really appealing to all of our horticultural readers out there, but sure exciting for us as Jesus followers, right?
I believe Jesus uses this parable to encourage us to be bold in our faith– to “branch out” (#seewhatIdidthere?) and share our faith. Because just one little seed could be the beginnings of something huge…
And that “something” could ultimately change someone else’s eternity.
How can you help grow God’s kingdom “Mustard-seed” style? Where can you be planting seeds today? You know I always love to hear back from you… Please leave a comment before you go.
Consider the truth behind the power of a mustard seed-sized act of faith, be it gently witnessing to someone, engaging in an act of kindness simply for the sake of Christ or giving grace to someone when they least deserve it.
Don’t worry about the “size” of your faith or the “height” of your Christian stature… because when it comes to advancing God’s kingdom, we all measure up to heavenly heights.
Growing for Him,
“Then he said, “How can I picture God’s kingdom for you? What kind of story can I use? It’s like a pine nut that a man plants in his front yard. It grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches, and eagles build nests in it.” ~Luke 13:18-19 MSG
Linking up today with Kelli via Unforced Rhythms, Laura at Playdates with God, and Joan’s Beauty in His Grip. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
