Small Actions Multiplied

Excerpts from a Bible study.

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We all think that we are complicated creatures, somewhat unpredictable in any given circumstance. Yet, the people around us would disagree. They would say that we have key characteristics, and creatures of habit. Recently, I have pondered on what it means to do the same thing over and over again, for very extended periods of time.

Small actions multiplied by long durations of time mean drastically different results. Small actions that accumulate serve to bend the eventual outcome of our lives in completely different directions. That is why the lives of siblings can turn out so differently.

[This particular parable from Jesus] paints with broad paint strokes. Again we have two extremes, people that we can identify with. This time, though, it is not a story about one moment. It was not a decision to ask for one’s inheritance—you can only do that once in your lifetime. Instead, it is a story about doing the same things repeatedly.

(Luke 16:19-31)

(first few verses) There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

Notice that this is a small inaction, a trifle really, multiplied by long durations of time.