A Little Leaven
Scripture
“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.”
— Galatians 5:7–9 (NASB)
Devotion
Pastor Darren highlighted Paul’s stern words to the Galatians: there was no “attaboy” in that letter. They had started well, but they had allowed something small—but poisonous—to creep in. Paul compares it to leaven (yeast): it only takes a little to work through the whole lump.
We often think, “It’s just a little compromise. It’s just a small habit. It’s only a little bit of this, a little bit of that.” But “a little bit” of sin, false teaching, or worldliness doesn’t stay small. It spreads. It shapes how we think, what we tolerate, and what we reach for in times of stress or pain.
Pastor Darren said, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Don’t let a little bit of this world keep you from all that God’s got for you.” Holiness means taking “small” sins seriously—not because God is petty, but because those seeds grow.
Ask: What is the “little bit” that’s actually affecting the whole of your spiritual life?
Reflection
“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.”
— Galatians 5:7–9 (NASB)
Devotion
Pastor Darren highlighted Paul’s stern words to the Galatians: there was no “attaboy” in that letter. They had started well, but they had allowed something small—but poisonous—to creep in. Paul compares it to leaven (yeast): it only takes a little to work through the whole lump.
We often think, “It’s just a little compromise. It’s just a small habit. It’s only a little bit of this, a little bit of that.” But “a little bit” of sin, false teaching, or worldliness doesn’t stay small. It spreads. It shapes how we think, what we tolerate, and what we reach for in times of stress or pain.
Pastor Darren said, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Don’t let a little bit of this world keep you from all that God’s got for you.” Holiness means taking “small” sins seriously—not because God is petty, but because those seeds grow.
Ask: What is the “little bit” that’s actually affecting the whole of your spiritual life?
Reflection
- What is your “little leaven”? A small “harmless” show, feed, habit, attitude, or relationship that you excuse?
- How has it already started to spread—your thoughts, your speech, your desires?
- Bring that “little” area to God. Ask Him for the courage either to cut it off or to put it in its proper place.