When we think about doing “great things for God,” our minds often jump to images of missionaries in distant lands, megachurch pastors preaching to thousands, or bestselling authors changing lives with their words.
But what if I told you that greatness in God’s eyes looks very different than greatness in the world’s eyes?
What if you’re called to do “great things” for God — not by being famous, but by being faithful?
What if the small, ordinary acts of obedience you offer today are more powerful and eternal than anything the world celebrates?
1. God Measures Greatness Differently
In our culture, greatness is usually tied to platform, influence, wealth, or recognition.
But Jesus taught something radically different:
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
— Matthew 23:11 (NIV)
God defines greatness not by how many people know your name, but by how you serve.
Not by how big your platform is, but by how big your heart is.
In fact, many of the most powerful acts of the Kingdom happen quietly:
- A kind word spoken when no one else notices.
- A prayer whispered for a hurting friend.
- A meal cooked for a grieving family.
- A hand extended to someone the world forgets.
In God’s economy, nothing done for Him is ever wasted.
2. Small Seeds, Big Harvests
Jesus often compared the Kingdom of God to small, seemingly insignificant things.
In Matthew 13, He said:
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree…”
— Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)
The mustard seed is tiny — barely visible between your fingers.
But planted in the soil, nurtured over time, it becomes a tree big enough for birds to nest in.
Small beginnings do not mean small endings.
One conversation.
One prayer.
One act of generosity.
One moment of courage.
These are seeds planted in the soil of eternity — and they will grow.
You may not see the full harvest yet.
You may not even live to see it.
But God promises that nothing done for Him returns empty.
3. Biblical Examples of “Small” Acts That Changed Everything
Throughout Scripture, we see example after example of people whose simple acts of obedience had profound effects:
- A boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6): He offered what little he had — and Jesus fed thousands.
- A widow’s two small coins (Mark 12): She gave what seemed insignificant, but Jesus said she gave more than all the rich combined.
- Moses’ staff (Exodus 4): An ordinary shepherd’s staff became a tool of miraculous power in God’s hands.
- Mary’s “yes” (Luke 1): A young girl’s willingness to obey changed the course of history.
In each case, it wasn’t the size of the act that mattered — it was the faith behind it.
God specializes in using small offerings to accomplish great things.
4. Your Everyday Faithfulness Matters
You might wonder:
“What could God possibly do with my life? I’m just one person.”
But you have no idea how powerful your faithfulness is:
- A child you teach in Sunday school could grow up to be a missionary.
- A friend you encourage today could stay faithful to Christ because of your words.
- A neighbor you pray for might find salvation because you cared enough to reach out.
You may never see the full ripple effects of your obedience on this side of eternity.
But God sees.
Every small step of faith moves the Kingdom forward.
And when you stand before Him one day, you won’t be rewarded based on how impressive your ministry looked.
You’ll be rewarded based on your faithfulness.
5. The Temptation to Despise Small Things
It’s easy to feel discouraged when the world around you chases big, flashy success.
You might wonder:
“Is my life making any difference?”
“Am I wasting my time doing this?”
“Shouldn’t I be doing something bigger, something more impressive?”
But God speaks to this too:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
— Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
God rejoices over small beginnings.
He isn’t looking at your life and thinking, “Why haven’t they done more?”
He’s looking at your heart.
He sees the secret moments — the prayers you pray, the kindness you offer, the faith you keep even when no one else notices.
And He smiles.
He’s not measuring you by the standards of this world.
He’s measuring you by love and obedience.
6. Greatness in Heaven’s Eyes
One day, all the bright lights and applause of this world will fade away.
Only one thing will matter:
Did we love Jesus, and did we love others in His name?
Jesus said:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
— Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Not “whatever you did for the most influential” or “whatever you did on the biggest stage.”
Whatever you did for the least.
That phone call you made to check in on someone.
That cup of water you offered in Jesus’ name.
That diaper you changed.
That prayer you prayed in secret.
He sees it all.
And in His Kingdom, those simple acts shine brighter than stadiums and spotlights.
7. You’re Called to Great Things — Right Where You Are
You may never stand on a platform or write a bestselling book.
But you are still called to great things.
Because in God’s Kingdom:
- Listening patiently to someone who’s hurting is great.
- Teaching your children about Jesus is great.
- Working with honesty and integrity is great.
- Giving generously, even when it’s hard, is great.
- Persevering through suffering with faith is great.
You don’t have to be famous to be faithful.
You don’t have to be loud to be significant.
You don’t have to be seen to be known by God.
8. Keep Planting Seeds
So, friend, keep going.
Even when it feels small.
Even when it feels unseen.
Even when you wonder if it’s worth it.
It is.
God sees.
God knows.
God delights in your faithfulness.
And one day, you’ll see the full harvest of what you planted — and it will be far greater than you ever imagined.
You were made for great things.
You were made for God’s things.
And small acts done in great love are how Heaven’s greatest victories are won.
Final Encouragement
You may feel ordinary.
You may feel invisible.
But in the hands of God, ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Keep trusting.
Keep sowing.
Keep loving.
Keep serving.
The small things you do today are building an eternal legacy you can’t even fully see yet.
And when you finally stand before Jesus, you’ll hear the words that make every small act worth it:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
— Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
That is greatness.
And that is what you’re being prepared for — even now.
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