Hi everybody,
I truly had a wonderful time while visiting Karlstad church yesterday. I don’t know about you but the picture I had of Karlstad church was totally different to the group I met. I can honestly say that I was positively surprised over the great work the leaders of this church are doing. In fact the church has a wonderful combination of both young and old with a rich variety of different cultures. The atmosphere and fellowship was great as was the discussion I had with a group of young people in the afternoon. Many of them opened up and shared some very beautiful and personal thoughts with me. There was an attitude of genuine love and fellowship amongst this group of believers. I actually felt I could belong. This got me thinking!
While driving home in the evening I was reminded of a text I have read many times but always had problems understanding practically. Luke writes that “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). Just what is Luke getting at? I believe Luke is trying to teach us a very important biblical principle; the principle of being willing to start small and being faithful to ones calling.
I have found that if you want to be used by God also you have to be willing to do the little things first. While I don’t know much about the history of Karlstad church I am convinced that the leaders have a passion for reaching the people of Karlstad for Christ. I get the impression that they really want to be used by God and are willing to do whatever God wants them to do to make it work. One might think the church is grounded on exceptional preaching and evangelistic campaigns. But this is not my impression (not to say that the pastor is a bad preacher!).
Instead, I believe it is all about the little things that happen amongst these believers. Little things like providing transport for members, sharing a wonderful meal together, providing a safe place where people can share their feelings and where people are willing to listen, a place where both young and old can get together and share experiences, a place where people know your name and make you feel welcome. At first many of the things happening in the church might not seem so glamorous but I still believe that faithfully doing these “small things” is what it really means to serve the Lord.
So, driving back to Stockholm I believe God was trying to tell me something very important. I believe we need to be faithful in the little things, and if you aren't, then God is not going to give us anything else to do. So whatever God has called you to do, faithfully go about the tasks that he has set before you, and in time, God will send people to you, real people with real needs. So whether it is leading a Bible study, or helping somebody who needs help, or running around in the forest disguised as an Elk so that the scouts can enjoy themselves remember you are serving God.
As I drove home time seemed to fly and I felt both hope and inspiration for the ministry we do in Sweden. In fact, I am even more anxious to do what I can to serve God. So don’t forget we have to be willing to do the little things for God, because we can never be too small for God to use, only too big.
God bless
Berny