The Westminster Clock Tower in London was built in the 1800’s, and has become an international, instantly-recognizable landmark. The tower is often referred to (mistakenly) as “Big Ben,” the name given to the bell within the tower. The faces of the clock stand 180 feet above ground, and each one is 23 feet across. Housed within the structure is a massive pendulum that regulates the clockwork mechanism and maintains the timing and consistency of the movement. This pendulum weighs in at over 660 pounds yet sitting on the top of this weight is a small collection of old English pennies. The small mass added by each penny might seem to be negligible amount, but for each penny removed or added, two-fifths of a second are gained or lost per day.
Two-fifths of a second. Not much, right? But, given 100 years at that rate, it would result in a difference of 4 hours. From two-fifths of a second to 4 hours is quite a span of time. The shift in time could occur all because you add or remove one penny.
The little moments often reverberate most loudly throughout history, and our smallest decisions are the seeds of larger outcomes. We find this truth stated emphatically by Jesus: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10). How we handle the little things reveals how we will handle the big things. What matters most is not the size of our responsibility but the depth of our integrity. This is especially true when our faithfulness is practiced in secret. The praise of the world for our stance, work or ministry matters none if our heart is unfaithful or divided before God.
A small truth rightly applied (or misapplied), a seemingly-minuscule act of obedience or the careful stewardship of those things that others see as trivial can will add up over time.
Mind your pennies.
We will recognize that we serve Christ when we serve others, even in the most seemingly insignificant moments. – Matthew 25:40b “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
We will remember that we will give an account one day for every moment of our lives. – Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
We will serve God with passion, knowing that he is the ultimate one for whom we live. – Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.