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The Strategic Importance of "Little Things"
31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32
Back “in-the-day” when starting a new business I was a huge Tom Peters’ fan. Particularly his book, “In Search of Excellence.” One concept Tom discussed was the strategic importance of paying attention to little things. He gave several examples including one about Conrad Hilton at his retirement dinner when the emcee asked Hilton for his “secret to success”. “So, as the story is told, Mr. Hilton walks up to the podium and squares himself away in front of the podium, looks at the audience, and says, “Remember to tuck the shower curtain into the bathtub.”
This principle of paying attention to little details was summarized by another successful entrepreneur, Fred Malek, in three words, “Execution is strategy.”
I have never forgotten these two core ideas: paying attention to little things and excellence in execution is strategy. I am also quite aware of how imperfect my execution is, but it remains a lofty important ideal.
The combined concepts of “little things done well [execution] has so many applications in life: secular and spiritual: on the job and in the kingdom.
On most days we only do “little things”. Rarely does one invent the “wheel” or “sliced bread”. Few people invent the internet, Starlink, ChatGPT, or a cure for cancer. We do and go about our routines, making what several studies quote as “30,000 decisions” every twenty-four hours. Ideas big and small, significant and inconsequential float through our heads in and out of view all the time.
A few of these ideas stick either from internal drives or external obligations. How we focus, plan and execute each of these can make an enormous difference, in so many ways and at so many levels.
Scripture is replete with examples, people and their stories that illustrate the significance of little things done well.
Moses walked over to see a burning bush…a little thing but it wasn’t until he did it, that God spoke to him.“ Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” 4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” Exodus 3:3-4
David picked up five little stones 1 Samuel 17
An Israelite slave girl told her master a Syrian general about Elijah and his ability to heal. 2 kings 5
The widow who gave Elijah her a piece of bread and then had enough to sustain her and her son until the long drought ended. 1 Kings 17
The young boy who brought 5 loaves and 2 fish that fed the five thousand. Matthew 14
Rahab who hung a simple scarlet cord out of her window and it saved her and her household. Joshua 2
12 uneducated men who turned the world upside down Acts 17
One prophet who said, “Here am I send me.” And he warned Israel, called them to repentance and spoke the most powerful Messianic prophesies. Isaiah 6:8
Proverbs 22 lists many simple things that lead to greater things: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,”[22:1] “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before [i]unknown men.” [22:29]
Luke 16:10 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
Jesus said a cup of cold water given in the name of my disciple will by no means lose his reward. Matthew 10
Solomon exhorts” 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might;” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Paul admonishes, “whatsoever you do, do it to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
James, the Lord’s brother speaks to the tongue as a small thing with potential to do great harm. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of [d]nature; and it is set on fire by hell. “ James 3:5-6
Immersion into water at baptism is a simple thing, but it raises us into a new life, rescues us from the kingdom of darkness, conveys us into the kingdom of light. It purifies us and makes us one of God’s special people, zealous for good work, whether small or great.
And lastly, the writer of Hebrews assures those who minister and labor, “For God is not unjust to forget your labor of love. “ Hebrews 6:10.
Don’t be afraid to do small things, don’t dismiss small things, don’t neglect small things. Look for small things to do, do them with all your heart, do them well and let God give the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6
