Every Bit Counts

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-21

Hunter and his dad chose a spot in the backyard to set up the rain gauge Hunter had made at school. He was proud of the hollow tube and its funnel-like top. "This is the best school project ever," he said. "I hope it rains soon!"

"Hunter," Mom said when he came inside, "Mr. Blake isn't feeling well, and he's afraid his garbage cans might roll out into the street if they stay in his driveway. Would you go bring in his trash cans?"

"Okay," said Hunter, and he headed out the door. He returned a few minutes later and sighed heavily.

"What's wrong?" asked Mom.

"Mr. Blake seems to be sick a lot," said Hunter. "And I know he's sad about losing his wife. I wish I could do something more to help him. When I brought his trash cans in, I noticed paint peeling off his house. I wish I could paint his house for him!"

A timer beeped, and Mom pulled brownies from the oven. "Well, you may not be able to paint his house, but you can run some of these over to Mr. Blake. That'll cheer him up."

"Okay. But it'd be cool to do something big instead of just this little stuff."

Mom smiled at him. "I know it may not seem like much, but remember the Bible says that we serve Jesus by serving others. By helping Mr. Blake--even in small ways--you're showing him the love of Jesus."

Later that day, it began to sprinkle, so Hunter and his parents went to check his rain gauge. "It's collecting water!" Hunter said.

"Good," said Dad. "But this is a very light rainfall. It will take a lot more rain than this to really measure water in your gauge."

"Maybe," said Hunter. "But look! A little water is running into it--and every drop counts! The water will build up over time."

"You're right," Mom said. "Every little bit does count, and you know what? Every little thing you do for Jesus counts too. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem."

"You mean like the stuff I do to help Mr. Blake?" asked Hunter.

"Yes," said Mom. "Jesus can use it to show him a big picture of God's love."

–Nance E. Keyes

How About You?
Do you think the small things you do for others don't amount to much? Do you wish you could do something big? The Bible tells us Jesus came down from heaven to serve us by dying for our sins, and He wants us to serve others--even when it doesn't seem like much to us. He uses the small things we say and do to show people how much He loves them. Serve Jesus by serving others.
Today's Key Verse:
The Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to be served, but to serve. (NKJV) (Mark 10:45)
Today's Key Thought:
Serving others shows them God's love