Less is Really More

I encourage leaders to use what you have, rather than be paralyzed by what you don’t have.
Photo of Ugandan children from the CrossFire Uganda church ministries.

Less is really more. I’m just back from Africa processing thoughts about all that transpired spiritually and physically in Uganda and Kenya. I had the honor of dedicating the first local church to be a partner in the CrossFire International Alliance. What an awesome time of ministry among the people at CrossFire Church in the Kawempi District of Kampala, Uganda! I looked at all this small church and I saw that less is really more.

With a handful of people, this church supports two primary schools serving over 260 children. While using limited educational resources they are educating children who cannot afford the mandatory school fees. Over 250 kilometers from the church, they have a ministry to over a dozen adults living with HIV. In that same area they have a feeding program for children, giving them porridge on a regular basis. It is also in this distant location they have one of the two primary schools!! Near the church is an educational program empowering women to a sustainable income by teaching them to be tailors. There are other programs and projects, all inspired by the Holy Spirit, undergirded by seemingly few resources but having a great impact for the kingdom of God. It challenges me as a pastor and leader in the church in the U.S. to never overlook what appears to be ‘little’, while paralyzed by the paradigm of ‘more’.

I am reminded of Peter’s words to the crippled man in the temple courts. He said ‘silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong' (Acts 3:6,7).

Many of us in ministry limit the kingdom of God because we focus on what we don’t have. We see other churches and ministries with large financial resources then comparing it to what we have. We say to ourselves ‘if only I had that kind of money I’d be able to_______.' Peter didn’t do that. He looked at what he had and he used it. It appeared to be less than what was needed for the circumstance, but it was really more than enough to meet the need. Peter extended his right hand and his spiritual authority. God’s will was accomplished at that moment. My Ugandan friends seem to have less than many churches in that area, but really they have more. CrossFire Church, Uganda extends their hand and their authority and accomplish so more than seems possible.

I encourage leaders to use what you have, rather than be paralyzed by what you don’t have. If you have 10 people who will help, then 10 people can accomplish God’s will. If you have $10, then $10 can accomplish God’s will. Extend your hand and your authority and you’ll discover your ‘less is really more’.