February 2026

Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.

-1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Some of us may feel ‘disqualified’ from effective service to God because of a perceived lack of talent or an abundance of personal shortcomings. We may not think that the things we are doing will make much of a difference in a world where there are so many greater forces at work.

However, I am reminded of something JRR Tolkien reportedly believed: that it is the everyday so-called “mundane” acts of goodness, faithfulness, and kindness that do more to hold the darkness at bay than the solitary acts of impressive-looking heroes. It is doubtless due to this belief that Tolkien chose hobbits (simple food-loving peace-loving people) as the primary focus for his epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The powers of this world scoff and laugh at such foolish and weak folks, but it is ultimately through the dogged perseverance of little hobbits that the evil Sauron in that tale is defeated.

The teachings of Jesus and the revelation of God’s Word in the Bible tend to flip our worldly understandings and prejudices upside-down. It is that humble spark of faith and those daily acts of goodness which shape our lives (and ultimately our world) more than we understand. As Paul writes to that flawed but faithful church in Corinth, “God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Your goodness and kindness in everyday living is like water that can gradually form Grand Canyons of grace in the lives around you and for the glory of God. As Mother Teresa once taught: all we really can do are little acts, but done with great love.

Whatever you have to do to day, may your conscience guide you moment to moment. Follow God and do what is good for others. You will have an impact, as the Scriptures promise, for generations. May it be to God’s glory and for the benefit of our neighbors. Start small; God is very proficient at bringing surprising joy and life out of simple mustard seeds.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matthew