Grace for the Long Term – Think Big, Start Small, Build Deep

Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)

     "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³²Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Don’t build our long term Christian foundations on high-point experiences alone, but in the daily-ness of everyday life

Deep Christian maturity is built on both the high mountain top experiences as well as in the valleys and deserts of life

Think Big, Start Small, Build Deep

1. Have the courage to think big

Our view of God determines our work for Him

We grow great by dreams.  All big men are dreamers.  They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter’s evening.  Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which always come to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.  Woodrow Wilson

2. Cultivate the security to start small

Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)

     "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³²Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

We start out too big and ambitiously and soon fall flat and give up

We dare not start small, out of fear that we may fail

Eccles. 11:4 (NLT) 

    If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.

Avoid comparing ourselves with others

3. Cultivate the wisdom to build deep

Ultimately, what really counts is true depth 

The world focuses on externals while God focuses on the inner life

The world values performance and results while God values growth and learning

The world puts competence first while God puts character first

The world does good with the aim of looking good while God wants us to do good as an outflow of being good

The world values status and stature, while God values substance

The world is competitive and boastful while God wants us to genuinely celebrate others

The world is insecure without the limelight while God wants us to have a quiet confidence and security

The world is stressed and flustered while God wants us to be steady and calm

The world reacts to criticism while God wants us to respond to criticism

The world is restless in spirit while God wants us rested in spirit