Or: Learning in War time; or rather doing “small things” when the world is on fire.
“How can you be so frivolous and selfish to think of anything but the…?”
(pages 50 and 51 of Weight of Glory, by C.S. Lewis)
We are tempted from time to time, now that the internet is our way of life, to forget how finite we are, and to forget that God has called us to lead a quiet life wherever it is He has us (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
We become internet busybodies because the sky is falling, when we ought to be praying and walking with Jesus. Jesus told His disciples that they would do “greater works” so we come up with excuses for only tending to the really important BIG things. We mock those who pray, and belittle those who are tending to their children, their family, their household, their neighbors, their job, their commitments…
Yes, the big things matter; but within my sphere of influence (think 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) I cannot do any “great thing” to stop war, change government policy, eradicate disease, stop human trafficking… What great things does the LORD really have for His people to tend to?
Pray
I can pray, and prayer matters–because God has promised to listen to the prayers of His people, and His Spirit dwelling in us nudges us to pray, helps us pray. This is a far greater work than most are willing to admit.
I can pray for the situation in Afghanistan; and for the Christians being martyred in many other countries all over the world; I can pray for friends who are traveling; I can pray for friends and family who are grieving; I can pray for my nephew-in-law’s dad’s kidney transplant; I can pray for friends who need wisdom; I can pray for a friend publishing a book; I can pray for friends who are faithfully ministering in other churches; I can pray for friends serving as missionaries; I can pray for friends and family struggling with depression and anxiety; I can pray for friends expecting a baby; I can pray for friends facing cancer; I can pray for the new school year starting; I can pray for families in France that are now told homeschooling will be illegal in 2022; I can pray thanking God for my freedoms and asking for the freedom to make my own decisions…and it all matters to God. He is working in it all, He is Sovereign over it all, He never grows weary. And He will never tell me that my small struggles do not matter to Him because the sky is falling elsewhere.
Without Ceasing
I will pray without ceasing. I will pray in the quiet moments, and while my children are loud, and while I am performing my quotidian tasks… And I can teach my children. I can show love to them, and to others. I can do good to others and especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). I can let my “yes” be yes, and keep my commitments. I can serve in my local church, using the gifts He’s given me. I can keep learning.
And I will keep asking the Spirit to lead me (see Romans 8). Jesus has purified for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds–(see Titus 2)–and who are you to say that those good deeds are not big enough? They are; walk with Him.
Abide
And I will abide in His word. Even though the sky is falling. I cannot hold up the sky.
If you want a bit of encouragement in this area, I highly recommend the essay by C.S. Lewis titled “Learning in Wartime” found in the collection titled “Weight of Glory.” And Psalm 46, among so many others. Abide in Him, abide in His words, even though we face tribulations? Yes beloved, especially since in this world we are promised tribulations (see John 14-17).
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:4-6