Miscellaneous
Those Little Things Mean A Lot
by Parker Johnson
There is a prevailing thought in our society that one must be a pastor or employed by a ministry in order to help further the Kingdom. We often think that because we are not good public speakers, don’t have the gift of teaching, or are employed in the “secular” job market that we are inferior to those who spend their days in study and preaching. In response to this, I would like to explore some of the research I conducted this summer.
This summer I had the opportunity to serve in Cambridge, England, where I interned with Christian Heritage, a rather small ministry. Among my other duties, I was required to research some aspect of English Christian history and I chose Admiral Sir Charles Middleton, a naval administrator of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While he did indeed do some pretty amazing things, such as giving Nelson his final instructions before the Battle of Trafalgar, arguably Middleton’s most important contributions came not because of his influential position as a naval administrator, but through his kindness and generosity to others.
I refer to his involvement in the abolitionist movement in Britain beginning in the 1780’s. One of the most influential things that he did in his entire lifetime was simply to open up his home to friends and strangers alike. Among the numerous guests of his house, Barham Court, were Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. You will undoubtedly know who Wilberforce was, but Clarkson was just as important to the abolitionist movement (he is the one who produced those drawings of slaves packed in ships like sardines). Through simply opening up his home to these two gentlemen, Middleton helped influence all of Britain. For example, it was during one of Clarkson’s visits to Barham Court that he dedicated his life to the cause of slavery. Also, Middleton opened up his home to Wilberforce and his group of abolitionist friends when they were preparing for his first appeal to Parliament for legislation to end the slave trade (which, by the way, lasted three hours!).
During the four-decade long fight to end slavery, Wilberforce, Clarkson, and others used Middleton’s home for rest and planning. While Middleton made many more contributions to help end the slave trade, by opening up his home to others, he helped end an evil institution throughout the British Empire. We shouldn’t worry when we feel incapable of doing profound things for the Kingdom; it is through our weaknesses that the Lord often uses us. Furthermore, you never know how the Lord will use those “simple” things such as just opening up your home to others.
Posted by Parker Johnson at November 5, 2006 11:24 PM
I have reflected on what I call “God’s economy” many times. He just doesn’t work the way we might, and it is part of His way to use the seemingly little, insignificant things to achieve great things. Faithful men and women serving where they are planted do indeed further the kingdom of God in ways we probably can’t even imagine. Thanks for this thoughtful post and reminder. We’re not all “Wilberforces, ” but most of us can offer him a bed or a meal.
Yesterday in Children’s Church, our lesson was in Matthew 25, on the Parable of the Talents. The kids and I read the story and then I asked them, “What are your talents? What are your parents’ talents?” I had varying answers like, “I like to eat candy”, or “My mom is a teacher/nurse”; and then there were a couple that said, “My dad doesn’t have any.” We talked about other talents that people have, like musical/techie inclinations, or the ability to clean and organize, and even just the ability to be nice.
I love being with the kids because they are funny and honest. With life, I often get bogged down by my schedule and all of the “things” I have to get done, but they tend to strip that away and remind me of the reason I volunteer with Children’s Church. I pray this “talent” will be used in His kingdom.
Thanks for the post, Parker. I know that God will be using your history degree in a mighty way.
Parker, this really dovetails well with the thoughts that Jimmy got rolling with his post on the smallness of the earth in space. I think God’s affinity for working with the small, lowly, and seemingly insignficant goes right down to the level of basic human interactions in things as mundane (to us) as eating and just hanging out. Great thoughts.
Well said, Parker. There are those that need to be reminded that if they did, indeed, pursue to become a minister/missionary it might well be offensive to God— if they are ignoring their other God-given talents. Thanks, bro, Tim
Tim, I think I understand where you are coming from, but I wonder how often that happens in America. Think about the huge need for missionaries all around the world and how so few people are even willing to think about the idea. I know in my experience, people often use other gifts or talents as an excuse not to hit the mission field…which would require them to have to rely on the Lord “more” because they aren’t in their comfort zones either socially or in regards to their strengths.