In describing the day of judgment, Jesus spoke of those who believed they had done great works for him, preaching, healing, casting out demons. But they found themselves turned to the left and protested against this great injustice. Jesus replied: “I had nothing to do with what you did. You did these things to receive the praise of men, and you have already received your reward.”

Those on his right were astonished to hear Jesus mention the things they had done. They didn’t remember doing anything great for Jesus. He said to them, “You have been obedient in doing the little things I asked of you. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Do we feel small and insignificant when others talk about the great things they do for Jesus? It’s good to be small and insignificant. The opposite can so easily lead to spiritual shipwreck.

Small and insignificant doesn’t mean there’s nothing for us to do. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, will suggest small things for us to do every day. But it doesn’t matter at all if no one notices when we do these little things; it’s even better if we forget about them.

The apostle Paul said, “Do not aspire to what is high, but be drawn to what is lowly. Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Romans 12:16).

And also: “Consider, brethren, that among you who have been called there are neither many wise according to the flesh, nor many mighty, nor many noble. But God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to confound the strong; and God chose the base things of the world and those that are despised, those that are not, to bring to nothing those that are, so that no flesh should boast before God” (1 Corinthians 12:26-29).

We are not required to make a name for ourselves in this world; we can do much more if we don’t worry about who gets the praise for the little things we do. All God requires of us is to love him, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in putting that love into action. And then to trust that, whatever the turn of events in this life, in eternity it will be well with my soul.