Early on in my working life, I had a boss, who was a good one, who sometimes, knowing that I was a Christian, humorously referred to my fellow Christians as “a bunch of inadequates”.

In the years since then, I have had cause to reflect on that statement and can conclude, to an extent at least, that he was right when making that observation. Yet, as I continued with my deep studies in the Bible and observation of history and my own situation where Christians played a part, it seemed to me that these very bunch of inadequates have been instrumental in making real and positive differences to their communities. As I watch on my wall and see crazy things taking place in the world – only half way into the first month of a new year we have witnessed startling happenings in Venezuela and Iran, wondering where next, there is evidences of spiritual awakenings all over the world and in unlikely places.

I found following my reading of “That Hideous Strength” and reflecting on the motley members that made up the community of St. Annes (that could be likened to that of a church) it seemed to me that these very inadequates as described in Lewis’ book (which is how the bad guys viewed them) were the very sort that did make a difference by replacing evil with good.  As I reflect over the years on some of the real Christians I have known, many would not have been regarded particularly highly in society, beyond that of being decent sorts, is they got on with their lives, taking care of the small things and being steadfast and faithful in the little. Which is why two sets of scriptures kept flashing in my mind for me to check out.

I asked Meta AI: “Where in the Bible is the idea of not despising the day of small things spoken about? What is the context?”

Meta AI responded: “The phrase “not despising the day of small things” is found in Zechariah 4:10, which says, “For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth” (KJV).

This verse is part of a message from God to the Israelites who had returned from exile and were rebuilding the temple. The context is that the people were discouraged because the new temple seemed insignificant compared to the grandeur of Solomon’s temple. God, through Zechariah, is encouraging them not to despise their small beginnings, but to trust that He is with them and will bring great things to pass.

The message is that God values and delights in small, humble beginnings, and that they can lead to great and mighty outcomes. It’s a reminder to focus on faithfulness in the present, rather than getting discouraged by the seeming insignificance of our efforts”.

I also asked Meta AI: “Where in the Bible are the benefits of being faithful in the little things spoken about? What is the context?”

Meta AI responded: “The Bible talks about the benefits of being faithful in little things in several places, including Luke 16:10 and Matthew 25:21.

In Luke 16:10, Jesus says, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much.” This verse is part of a parable where Jesus teaches about the importance of being trustworthy with small things, like money, to show that we can be trusted with greater responsibilities.

The context is that Jesus is talking to his disciples about how to handle wealth and material possessions. He’s emphasizing that being faithful in small things, like managing money wisely, is a reflection of our character and shows whether we can be trusted with more significant responsibilities.

In Matthew 25:21, Jesus says, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” This verse is part of the parable of the talents, where a master rewards his servants for being faithful with the resources they’ve been given”.

The thought I took away from this exercise is the importance of not despising the day of small things and the need to be faithful in little things, as well as letting the Lord do the rest.