Have you heard of the butterfly effect? In 1972, mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz asked the question: “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” From this question arose the concept of the butterfly effect; that is, that a tiny change can have a massive impact somewhere else.
Despite one’s conclusions about the relationship between tornadoes and flapping butterflies, the question is illustrative of a powerful truth: seemingly insignificant actions can carry great influence, though often unseen and unknown. Take that into account, as you consider for a moment how much of what you and I do can feel petty and unimportant at times. A little investment into others can make a great difference. An enduring faithfulness goes an extraordinary distance!
Unnoticed
It can be hard to feel unappreciated, or that certain things you do don’t matter to anybody anyway. Yet Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). Instead He repeatedly emphasizes that the Father sees what we are doing unnoticed by others, and He validates the meaningfulness as we draw near in relationship to Him as we do so.
Ordinary
It can also be a challenge when you feel like you don’t have the status or platform to make a great difference. But God uses ordinary people in big and small ways! The woman at the well told others about Jesus, and they believed because of her testimony (John 4:29, 39). A little boy shared his groceries for Jesus to provide dinner (John 6:9). Lydia was hospitable to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:15). Even Peter and John were described as ordinary, “common men,” whose difference was that they had been with Jesus.
Emptyhanded
Have you ever felt like you have little to offer to an Almighty God? Yet He gives the increase! The little boy’s five loaves and two fish were not adequate to feed the crowd! But Jesus was! The widow’s two coins could not fund the ministry… but God can! Rather than waiting for wealth, we can be faithful from our poverty, giving wholly… especially of ourselves: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).
Faithful
If you see the great obstacles and barriers of reaching and influencing the world, you are likely to get stopped in your tracks with the impossibility of the task. Look instead upon the great God that we serve, and be faithful to serve God in the context of life that He has given you. Love your neighbor as yourself – who is your neighbor? Who has God placed near you? Make a difference in your family, for your neighbors, coworkers, the stranger you will cross paths with today… to make a little difference and sow seeds that God can use! Then will your Master say to you: Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25:23).