"Don't sweat the small stuff—and it's all small stuff!" So goes the popular saying. We often look for ways to avoid stress and to avoid the consequences of our actions. Yet, when it comes down to it, we know we are ultimately responsible for our actions, and everything counts.
Good habits and basic virtues pay big dividends over time, while foolish pursuits and get-rich-quick schemes seldom bring good results. There are some positive examples in modern times, of wise men who understood this principle and there are definitely some ancient characters whom we can emulate.
Some of America's early national heroes—like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln—rose from obscurity to become recognized as men of character and renown. Later, Theodore Roosevelt—a sickly child—overcame physical weakness, and by sheer drive, perseverance and courage accomplished great things.
Anciently, Abram, who became Abraham, was a tremendous example of perseverance, self-control and obedience. The result? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God" (James 2:23).
Down the line we see that Jacob (who became Israel) and his son Joseph enjoyed God's intervention in their lives for special purposes. In each case, the special relationship these men had with God was predicated upon their obedience to their Creator. So it remains in our day. God still requires His people to be careful to obey His laws and to do His will.
Solomon, King David's son, wrote extensively on this subject, so his wisdom is recorded for us. He wrapped up the book of Ecclesiastes with these words: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).
In the New Testament, Jesus said, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36–37).
So we see that what we say and what we do, even in small things, is very important—in this life, and in the life to come. We find this principle emphasized in a parable praising the faithful servant. Jesus said, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things" (Matthew 25:23).
How about each of us? Does it really matter what we do as we live our daily lives? The Bible makes it very plain. Again and again, the book of Revelation praises those who "overcome." Its next-to-last chapter stirs us with these encouraging and motivating words: "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son" (Revelation 21:7).
As you reflect on your daily activities, in matters public and private, always remember: "Everything counts!"
The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world, available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org websites.