“The people should not think that small beginnings are unimportant.” Zech. 4:10
It takes an oak tree 20 years to start producing acorns and it doesn’t reach peak production until 60-80 years. (Remember this the next time you see squirrels running away with a future forest.)
In Newport, AR, in 1945, Sam purchased a Ben Franklin 5&10, a discount store where most items cost a nickel or a dime. Everyone had heard of Ben Franklin, the multi-talented founding father of our nation. Most everyone had heard of the chain of stores bearing his name. However, only his family and a handful of friends had heard of Sam or paid attention to his little store tucked away in Jackson County.
From this modest beginning, Sam determined to follow a 7-word business philosophy: provide low prices and give good service. Some 80 years later, that single acorn has grown into 5200 locations in the U.S. with 5600 more in 19 countries, grossing $680 billion each year, and employing over 2 million people. Today, Sam Walton’s story is legendary.
The Bible tells the story of a man who is also legendary. We don’t know his net worth or his work history; we don’t even know his name. Our knowledge of him is limited to a couple of days. But, 2000 years later, a man we call the Good Samaritan continues to impact millions of lives. His philosophy can also be expressed in 7 words: be observant and help when you can.
He didn’t wake up one morning intending to accomplish something great or establish a reputation that would become synonymous with kindness. He had no idea the acorn he planted would lead to hospitals, agencies, church organizations, and civic groups named after him. The story says, ‘As he went on his way.’ He was simply going through his daily activities. In doing so, he matched his philosophy to his lifestyle. He observed a person in need. Disregarding inconvenience and societal differences, he took time to help, to do what he could with what he had.
Scores of speakers and writers have relied on the Good Samaritan for their own story telling. One man who was beaten and robbed and left for dead relied on him for survival. It’s a powerful story.
But inquiring minds want to know, don’t we? How much did everything cost? Did the victim repay his rescuer, did he even say, ‘Thank you?’ Was there a news story reporting the incident? Did the actions help to bring Jews and Samaritans closer? We aren’t told these details for a reason – they don’t matter. What does matter is if we learn and apply these 7 words: be observant and help when you can. We have opportunities to plant acorns of kindness every day ‘as we go on our way.’
- See an elderly person with a few items at grocery checkout? Add theirs to yours.
- Notice your waitress is frazzled & tired? Leave a kind word & a healthier than usual tip.
- At a drive-thru for coffee? Pay for the person behind you.
- Is a church providing free meals for the community? Make a donation.
- Are you able to help in only a small way? There is no small act of kindness in the Kingdom.
Don’t make it about you. Don’t worry if nobody notices. Don’t wonder how the future will unfold because of your good deed. Just take time to spread acorns. The Lord will take care of the oak trees.
–Jackie Chesnutt, Spiritual Advisor for Myers-Davis (10/20/2025)
