Be Wise Small: The Power of Tiny Faithful Choices
Wisdom is knowledge applied. The easiest way to begin applying it may be to stop trying to transform everything at once.
A simple definition of wisdom is knowledge applied. You know the better thing and actually do it.
The challenge is that we often try to apply wisdom at a scale we cannot sustain. We attempt one enormous leap, fail, and decide change is impossible.
Start smaller than your ambition
The episode uses an ordinary trash-can example: noticing a small thing that should be done and doing the next wise action instead of walking away.
That moment is tiny, but it trains the same muscle needed for larger responsibilities.
Do not try to leap the Grand Canyon
Huge resolutions often assume your habits, identity, environment, and capacity can transform overnight.
When they do not, discouragement arrives. Smaller actions allow change to accumulate without requiring a dramatic emotional surge.
Use small actions to become a different person
If you want to become more evangelistic, begin by greeting people, opening doors, buying a coffee, asking where someone is from, and eventually inviting them to church.
If you want to improve a difficult relationship, begin with the smallest obvious Christlike kindness. You are training yourself to become someone who responds differently.
Small does not mean insignificant
James tells those who lack wisdom to ask God. Proverbs repeatedly praises wisdom. The question is what you will do with what you know.
Be wise. Then make the application small enough to practice today.
Do not wait until you can make the giant change. Make the next wise small change.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What big goal have I made unnecessarily difficult?
- 02What is the smallest wise action available today?
- 03What identity would repeated small actions gradually build in me?
Listen to the original episode
This article was adapted from Episode 4 · Be Wise Small. Continue with the podcast for the original teaching in Kris’s voice.
Explore books by Kris Emerson
Go beyond a single article with Christ-centered books and daily resources designed for Scripture, spiritual growth, and practical discipleship.