READ: 1 Samuel 17:26-37

«…and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither ? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness?…» - 1 Samuel 17:28

The brothers of king David mocked at David’s job of feeding the sheep. They also mocked at the number of sheep that David had. It was insignificant as far as they were concerned. David was not an important person because he was looking after a few sheep. These are dangerous attitudes because they are the attitudes of pride.

Often, the things you trivialize or marginalize can turn out to be very important. Years ago, when we began our church, I had people mocking me for having little churches. They made fun of our branches and said, «There is nothing to them. It is just two or three people.» Just as David was mocked for having a few sheep, I was also mocked for having a few sheep. It is amazing that these few sheep have grown into thousands. Watch out for the things that you trivialize, minimize and marginalize.

Watch out for pastors who are too big to talk to young people! Watch out for people who do not know how or who cleans the church! Watch out for pastors who are too big to find out why the church toilet does not work! Watch out for pastors who are too big to find out why their church’s website is not functioning! Watch out for pastors who are too big to go to their church’s building site. Watch out for pastors who are only interested in how much money came in but not how it is counted! You must be careful because what you minimize, trivialize and marginalize may be the most important thing in your ministry.