Nothing is "Just" Anything
- Cheryl Balcom
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Guest Post by Joanna K. Harris
How many times this week have you used the word “just”? You probably have no idea, right? Most of us don’t make a habit of tracking which words we say frequently. As a writer, however, I’ve noticed that I’m particularly fond of this little word. (It seems to fit just about any situation.) Once I observed the overuse of “just” in my writing, it made it easier to notice it in speaking as well. And then I felt like God wanted me to consider something important about this word.
First, I thought about how sometimes we add the word “just” when talking about things we know we shouldn’t do, but we want to justify ourselves anyway:
It was just a little fib.
I just told that one person.
It’s just that one friend I can’t forgive.
And while that’s convicting for me, it actually wasn’t what God nudged me to focus on. I don’t think that is the use of “just” most of us struggle with. As Christian women, we are often harder on ourselves than we are on our friends and family. We tend to feel frustrated with our limitations or guilty about our inadequacies. We can cheer others on, but we’re inclined to lecture ourselves. Can you relate?
What I think God wants us to pay attention to are all those times when we use “just” to minimize the good things we are doing:
It was just a quick prayer with my child before school.
It was just a short text to that friend who’s hurting.
It was just a frozen lasagna for the neighbor who had surgery.
I just gave ten dollars to the missionary.
We see these good things as inadequate or insignificant because they aren’t as much as we’d like to do. We wish we could do “more,” so we feel bad about the “little” we did. But that’s not how God thinks.
With God, nothing is “just” anything. Every act of kindness, faith, obedience, and love–no matter how big or small—matters in God’s economy. That’s what Jesus taught and modeled for us.
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42 NIV).
God has a reward for –
a cup of water
a hug
a smile
a meal
a prayer…
Does that astound you? It does me. If I measured by my own human standards, these things wouldn’t seem like enough. Praise God that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8–9)!
What seems too small to matter to us is valuable and meaningful in God’s eyes.
For myself, I think God wants me to practice being grateful for every little thing I can do, which He is using in His grand, eternal plan; which I’m doing for Jesus, not to feel proud of myself; and which ultimately leaves me more in awe of Him.
In addition, shifting our perspective on this word “just” can help us be grateful for every “little” gift and blessing from God, be more aware of and resistant to the “little” temptations in our lives, and be joyful about all the “little” good things we can do out of love for Jesus.
Changing our mindset can have big and beautiful results.
Maybe this week, try taking the word “just” out of your vocabulary, and replace it with “Thank you, Jesus”—because He dearly values you and the “little” you offer to Him each day.
“Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him],
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 (AMP)
Joanna K. Harris served as a missionary in Mexico before enduring over a decade of chronic illness. Through her trials, God has faithfully taught her about His grace. Now, she writes to encourage others with God's grace—always greater than our need. Joanna has authored more than a dozen books for children and adults. You can connect with Joanna, and receive two bonus chapters to her devotional memoir, on her website: gracepossible.com
