Starting Small 

God on Monday
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 He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches’ (Matthew 13:31-32).

Reflection

This short parable of Jesus conveys a powerful truth: in God’s kingdom, big and impressive things start in small and unspectacular places. Jesus bringing the kingdom of God in all its fullness to earth begins with his birth as a tiny vulnerable child in a rough stable in a small town in a remote region.

In the same way, the big change many of us want to see in our workplaces and work culture starts off small. Following Jesus should make a big difference in our day-to-day lives. But we must not fall into the trap of trying to do God’s work on the world’s terms. It is our culture, rather than scripture, that tells us that bigger is better. Jesus’ kingdom is built from small and humble beginnings. 

We may work alongside people with ambitious agendas who want to make a name for themselves. But those driven by kingdom values will pay attention to the small and seemingly insignificant. They take just as much care when they interact with the cleaner as they do with the CEO. They make sure that they pay attention to unseen things, and rise above the gossip culture by speaking well of others. 

When we do such things, our fellow workers see that there may be a different and more life-giving way to live than the rush towards things that are outward. As followers of Jesus, let us make sure we are reflecting this parable that is so short and so ancient that it could be easily ignored. Let it inspire us to pay attention, as God pays attention, to the small and apparently insignificant.

Response

What things do you do on a daily basis that are seemingly unimportant? How might God be calling you to witness through those actions?

Which areas of contemporary culture do you wish could change? What one thing could you do today that will make a small change in the right direction?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to live out the values of your kingdom, rather than the values of the world. Help us to honour you in all things, whether seen or unseen. Amen!

This Week's Author

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.   

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