Reach out to one

Everything around us in the world is telling us to be the next big thing (American Idol, the Voice, etc) or we should be making big impacts at work or in the community around us.  Get the big promotion; come up with the big idea that changes things at work for the good; make the big deal; find a new technology that revolutionizes everyone.

I’m a numbers person.  I love math; I like doing budgets and paying bills, etc.  I almost always have a calculator (aside from on my phone).  So I definitely get caught up in the numbers and thinking I need to make a big impact with big numbers.  I want to see big changes (at work, at church, in small groups, etc).  I want to big a great “leaders/facilitator” for Hope2Africa and small groups. 

Lately, I’m realizing that it’s not about being the best and making big impacts.   Really, when I think about it, am I wanting to make big impact or see big change because of my pride and thinking I've done well or because I want to see the change? 

God’s been teaching me that it’s not about being the next big thing, or making the big deal or having the next big idea.  It’s not even about trying to share the gospel with 300+ people, or trying to get 12 new people in your small group.  Really it's not 

Then some of you might feel the opposite - that there are SO MANY people around you that are in need - need food, need love, need to hear about God's love, etc, that it's IMPOSSIBLE.  You may think it's impossible, too big of a task, and just not even worth it to try.

 Luke 15:3-7 says:

³ Then Jesus told them this parable: ⁴ “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (from Bible Gateway)

Sometimes all we need to do is pay attention to that one sheep. I'm sure there is one specific person in your life that needs something - your time, love, maybe some food, money, their lawn mowed, a ride, etc.  We should look around us and not miss the opportunity to make an impact on that one person who really needs it. 

Who is that one sheep in your life that you need to go after?