We are told in Scripture, “In everything give thanks.” It is a decree from God, recorded by Paul. It is a divine expectation.
I was on a cruise last year and as I stood on that boat looking out over the vast Pacific Ocean, I was reminded of my insignificance. All around me was the largest body of water in the world. Here I was, a little speck on a huge ship that was also a little speck in the middle of the huge ocean.
A little bird was flying south for the winter, but the air became so cold that it began to freeze and could not get to a warmer climate. After some time, the little bird finally collapsed in a large field where a herd of cows were grazing. Eventually, a cow came by and dropped manure of the freezing bird. At first, the bird was very upset until it felt how warm the manure was. Before too long, it began to thaw out and became so excited that it started singing with joy.
People often say, “What difference can one person make?” Let me ask you, what difference can one spark make in a dry forest? You can make a lot of difference.
The church has lost much of its influence in society because it has turned its social-service calling over to the state. The church’s job is not only to help the responsible poor (1 Thessalonians 3:10) but also to empower the poor, equipping them to create wealth.