The biggest things come from the smallest things. Think about it. The smallest functional unit of the body is the cell. The smallest unit of a society is the family, and a kingdom is only as strong as the loyalty of the subjects. Likewise, the success of the most elaborate strategy depends on attention given to the most basic details.
It makes sense, then, that the health of the greater is determined by the health of the smaller. This is true in the life of a believer and in the work of the church. As individuals, we have to pay attention to the small things to see results on a larger scale, things like daily devotion, continued obedience, and intentional life on life relationships of accountability, encouragement, and influence with the rough, messed up, strange, and imperfect people inside and outside the church.
As the church, we must do good work at the smallest levels to accomplish our greater goals. If we are going to make vital connections to Jesus, His truth, His community, and His mission in the world, then we have to connect with others in meaningful, Christ-centered and Christ-centered relationships. This is most effectively accomplished through Sunday school or small group ministry.
If we neglect the work to be done at the foundational level of life and ministry, we will end up with a shell that, while strong in appearance, is actually fragile, not able to bear the weight of life and Truth. Doing so is like settling for one of those cheap, hollow bunnies made out of the gross chocolate at Easter.
But, let’s be honest. We do take shortcuts. Sacrificing actual for artificial health, we often skirt the hard work that would give us the most lasting results. We settle and suffer for it.
Don’t sacrifice substance for surface. Hammer down on the fundamentals. Commit to feed the four vital connections, understanding that most of us are products of small group ministry. Take advantage of systems and structures in place in the church to grow personally and as a body so that God can accomplish His work in and through you.
Want to be healthy? Think small.