No Little People -- No Little Places

I found this quote from Francis Shaeffer, an American Evangelical theologian and Presbyterian pastor, when reading Sam Shaw's blog. Sam is senior minister at Hope Church in Tupelo.

"May we remember throughout our lives that in God's sight there are no little people and no little places. Only one thing is important: to be concecrated persons in God's place for us, at each moment. Those who think of themselves as little people in little places, if committed to Christ and living under His Lordship in the whole of life, may, by God's grace, change the flow of our generation."

Shaw was quoting from a new biography of Shaeffer where the author was speaking of Shaeffer's compassion for individuals, stating that it was in stark contrast to how some contemporary religious leaders and professionals treat other people. "It is always revealing to watch such people 'off duty' and observe how they relate to those around them," he said.

Shaw writes of attending a major international Christian conference and found "it was rather disappointing to see that many of the speakers and leading figures were not even aware of the hotel staff, never mind thanking them for their service or making an effort to reach them with the gospel."

A favorite little quote of mine -- I don't even know to whom it should be attributed -- says, "I had rather see a sermon than to hear one." There is no better way than to be an example -- you never know who is looking to you for guidance and inspiration.