Senior Army Chaplain - Colorado Army National Guard

The Significance of Small Acts of Faithfulness

CH (COL) David A. Nagel – State Chaplain, Colorado National Guard

I remember sitting in chapel during Bible College in Dallas, Texas as a young man and hearing the president of the school give a memorable speech to a large room of future pastors, missionaries, and chaplains. Although this speech was delivered more than 25 years ago, his words stuck with me and have helped guide me as a chaplain. “If you want to live a meaningful life and make a lasting difference do the little things each day. Get up on time, make your bed, brush your teeth, go to work, treat people with kindness and dignity, look for opportunities to serve others. We often think success is found in some big life decision or some remarkable achievement. In reality the Lord will multiply your small acts of faithfulness and over time, entrust you with more.” When I answered the call to join the U.S. Army as a Chaplain in 2006, I left a wonderful church where I had been serving as a pastor. The church was growing, our family was loved, and the future looked very positive. Despite these circumstances it was clear the Lord was guiding our family into the military to serve our men and women in uniform as a shepherd. During my first chapel service on Buckley Space Force Base, I had 4 Soldiers attend. I felt discouraged. Had the Lord called me out of a thriving ministry to minister to 4 Soldiers? The words of my Bible School president came to mind. It was as if the Holy Spirit was saying, “Dave, be faithful in the small things and watch what I will do.” Since that time, I’ve gotten up each day and have given all of myself to loving and caring for the Airmen and Soldiers entrusted to my care. As I look back on the last 19 years of chaplaincy, I see a rich story of lives impacted for God’s kingdom. The small acts of faithfulness have led to a ministry of significance I could never have planned. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10)