Despise not the Day of Small Beginnings
Despise not the day of small beginnings. This phrase, which is a play on Zechariah 4:10, is one that Christians today should chew on. It is a wonderful reminder that building new things typically involves humble beginnings. This is the normal state of affairs. It is to be expected, and can be hard. But perseverance is possible when you know these realities walking onto the launching pad. The pad may be cracked and the rocket powered by water pressure, but this is par for the course. So be it. Onward.
We need to remind ourselves of this truth because we live in an age where so much is being destroyed. Across borders and continents, flames lick higher as cultural dumpster fires rage. The vestiges of Christian norms in lands once loosely dubbed “Christian” have inverted. Up is down, right is wrong. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20 ESV)
Evil, darkness and all things bitter now sit on pedestals bathed in spotlights. Woe to those who engineered the promotional campaigns that elevated them. But we are not at liberty to stew in woe. Should we do so, we will invite evil, bitterness and darkness to fester in our own hearts.
No, we are called to build, even if building looks a whole lot like rebuilding. The blue prints may look different than the originals. The ground breaking ceremony may turn up soil in new settings. And we might need to build in some features based off lessons learned - or wisdom - and tweak the budget a bit. But we must have a mindset to build.
Don’t despise the day of new building projects. That might take the form of a new Christian school, a new church or a new job. It may be small and you may be alone. But God delights in displaying his power through the small. The majesty of his strength and beauty is amplified when framed by small, weak displays of faithfulness. You are entirely dependent on God. Always, not just when taking a risk to launch a new venture. It just feels more real when you’re exposed and vulnerable, standing on a platform with a model water rocket and an enemy eager to celebrate your public failure.
We as Christians are called to be courageous cultural builders. Even as the world burns, a resilient Body of Christ stages the lumber for spiritual and societal rebirth. Taking even small risks for Christ can seem large and intimidating, particularly during hostile seasons. But God is gracious and good. Whether you are a Christian in a western nation, the heart of Africa, the Arab World, East Asia - wherever - listen for that quiet prompting in your heart.
If you are called to start something new, or rebuild something old, pray and take a step. Then a second. Then breathe and take a third. You are not alone. Many faithful brothers and sisters are serving in similar trenches, only you can’t see them over the mounds. They are there, and more importantly, God is present. Despise not the day of new beginnings. Just don’t expect a marching band or instant results.