Little Is Much When God Is In It
By Hayden Byrd
A while ago, my mom was reminded of a hymn that was sung in the congregation she grew up in, this hymn is titled “Little Is Much When God Is In It”. Written by Kittie L. Suffield, the lyrics express how there is much work to be done for God and sometimes the areas in which we serve and can feel called to work in can seem insignificant to the world and even to ourselves. However, the final verse of the song reminds those listening that any good work done in God’s kingdom will be rewarded on the last day. Admittedly, this was not a hymn I was familiar with but was initially drawn to because of the beautiful melodies and harmonies within the hymn. However, after reflecting on the lyrics, I think the verses of this hymn and the messages they have to offer can serve as good focus points to consider in this devotional.
Verse 1
“In the harvest fields now ripened
There’s a lot of work to do
Hark! The voice of God is calling
To the harvest calling you”
The parable of the talents found in Matthew 24:14-30 Jesus reveals that those who strive and accomplish work, no matter how small, for the good master will be rewarded. I love how the two faithful servants are rewarded equally for their efforts even though the one servant completed a “greater” work than the other faithful servant. This can relate to us today in comforting us in the fact that though we may not feel as capable as others, if we do the best with what God has blessed us with, we will all be considered good and faithful servants. I think this charge to tend to the work God blesses us to be able to accomplish is related simply yet confidently in the first verse of this song in stating that we all are being called to the same harvest, in which we all can use our talents.
Verse 2
“Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known
It is great if God is in it
And He’ll not forget His own”
In the passage in Matthew chapter 24 that was just mentioned, there is a verse that I think summarizes the second verse of this song. In Matthew 24:23 Jesus describes the response of the good master to the faithful servant who reaped less, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Just as this verse and song suggests, the degree or quantity of work we are able to accomplish for God during our lifetime is secondary to the steadfastness in which we strive to go about God’s work and live in obedience to His instructions. Another great example of this teaching is found in Mark 12:41-44, commonly referred to as the story of the widow’s mite. This woman gave only two copper pennies, or mites, which was significantly less than the other wealthy givers. Yet Jesus states that “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. (43) For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. (44)” Though her work wasn’t even comparable to the works of those around her, she was commended more than the others because her attitude and devotion was far greater.
Verse 3
“When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run
He will say, if we are faithful
‘Welcome home, my child well done’”
The last verse of this song changes theme slightly, focusing on the reward of faithfulness without mentioning works. However where faithfulness is, works should also be present as evident by James 2:14-26. Oftentimes it seems that the relationship that exists between faith and works is skewed, some argue that works alone are enough to save, almost developing an attitude that one can work or “earn their way to Heaven”, while others argue that faith alone without ever acting on this faith is enough to enter Heaven. Both of these arguments seem to be problematic Biblically and seem to suggest that faith and works are unequally yoked. We must understand the fact that the Bible is not contradictory, and with this knowledge examine multiple passages of scripture such as James 2:14-26, Ephesians 2:4-10 and Romans 4 to realize the individual importance of faith and works and how they compliment, not contradict each other. Thus if we faithfully work for God and in HIS Kingdom, we will hear similar words as those heard by the good servants in Matthew 24, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”. (Matthew 25:30-41)
Chorus
“Little is much when God is in it
Labor not for wealth or fame
There’s a crown and you can win it
If you go in Jesus name”
The chorus of this hymn, traditionally repeated after each verse, is simple, beautiful and affirms the messages made in each verse. The points made in this devotional are not designed to be the only interpretation of the meaning of this hymn, others may think of different passages of scripture that I did not include and I always love hearing about the different passages that come to mind for individuals when hearing or remembering a song. I would argue however that regardless of how (or even if) this song resonates with someone, we should all be able to recognize and appreciate the attitude of eagerness this hymn conveys about working for God. We should also remind ourselves that no matter how noticeable or unnoticeable the results of our efforts are, if they are done in accordance with God’s will little can accomplish much.