A Little Fire Does a Lot

By Bill Brandstatter

    I am amazed by the wildfires in California. As they are burning, we are seeing the smoke in Illinois. The fires started small as fires always do and grew to be huge. The effects are being seen hundreds of miles away.

    James describes our tongues as fire. He mentions; “How great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5b) It is true, isn’t it? Sometimes the smallest remark will produce a great  response. Something little that is no big deal can grow quickly and become something prominent. Jesus described how idle words will meet us at the judgment. Those words may be little in size but are big in result. (Matt. 12:23-24)

    Let us learn how to answer all people in all situations (Col. 4:6). Paul notes that what we say should provide “grace to the hearers.”

    Let us try to make little words become big words. Simple words like “Thank you,”; “You’re welcome”; “Excuse Me”; “Hope you don’t mind;” “Pardon me” are all small words but they make a big difference.

    Let us try to use the small words mentioned above in places we never used them before. Do you and your spouse say, “Please” and “thank you” to each other? Do husbands and wives say “You’re welcome” to each other? They should. A little bit goes a long way. If you don’t currently do that, try it and see the effect it will have. It might make a difference in your marriage. It might make a difference in your home and family. It might make a big difference in the world. “How great a forest a little fire kindles!”

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/