Embracing Humility: The Power of Small Acts

It was not John's business to attract followers to himself, but to point them to Jesus, and he very faithfully discharged his commission. His opinion of his master, of whom he was the herald, was a very high one. He reverenced him as the anointed of the Lord, the king of Israel, and consequently he was not tempted into elevating himself into a rival. He rejoiced to declare he must increase, but I must decrease. [00:00:21]

The Baptist felt that it would be a great honor to be even a menial servant of the Lord Jesus. He felt that the Son of God was so infinitely superior to himself that he was honored if only permitted to be the meanest slave in his employ. He would not allow men to attempt comparisons between himself and Jesus. [00:01:27]

John was a man of bold, plain, telling, commanding speech. He was no second-rate teacher but a master in Israel, yet he assumed no airs of self-conceit but accounted the lowest place in the Lord's service as too high for him. Note too that he was not only a great preacher but he had been very successful. [00:04:26]

Nothing is dishonorable by which Jesus may be honored. Nothing lowers a man if thereby he honors his Lord. It is not possible for any godly work to be beneath our dignity. Rather ought we to know that the lowest grade of service bestows dignity upon the man who heartily performs it. [00:09:39]

Little works for Christ, little shoe bearings, and latchet loosings often have more of the child spirit in them than greater works. Outside in the streets, a man's companion will do him a kindness and the action performed is friendly, but for filial acts, you must look inside the house. [00:10:08]

In little acts for Christ, it is always to be remembered that the little things are as necessary to be done as the greater acts. If Christ's feet be not washed, if his sandals be not unloosed, he may suffer and his feet may be lamed so that a journey may be shortened and many villages may miss the blessing of his presence. [00:12:19]

Little things for Christ again are often the best tests of the truth of our religion. Obedience in little things has much to do with the character of a servant. You engage a servant in your own house, and you know very well whether she be a good or bad servant. [00:15:37]

There is a vast deal of difference between the man who gladly bears Christ's shoes and another who will not stoop to anything which he thinks beneath him. Even a Pharisee will ask Christ to his house to sit at meat with him. He is willing to entertain a great religious leader at his table. [00:18:30]

Mark also with regard to little works that very often there is about them a degree of personal fellowship with Christ which is not seen in greater work. For instance, in the one before us to unloose the latchets of his shoes brings me into contact with himself, though it be only his feet I touch. [00:19:29]

Measure therefore not little actions by human scales and measures but estimate them as God does, for the Lord hath respect unto the hearts of his people. He regards not so much their deeds in themselves as the motives by which they are actuated. Therefore value the loosing of the Savior's shoe latchets and despise not the day of small things. [00:23:52]

Let a man begin earnestly to work for the Lord Jesus and he will soon find out that he is unworthy of the meanest place in the employ of one so glorious. Let us turn over that fact a minute, dear brothers and sisters, when we recollect what we used to be, I'm sure we must feel unworthy to do the very least thing for Christ. [00:25:45]

Brethren and sisters, your sense of unworthiness will, if you be idle, sadly hamper you, but if the love of God be in your soul, you will feel since I do so badly when I do my best, I will always do my utmost. Since it comes to so little when the most is done, I will at least do the most. [00:43:53]