Efficient Use of Resources: A Biblical Perspective on Micro and Macro Movements

God calls us to optimize the resources we have, promising that as we do, He will bless us with more (Luke 16:10). The conventional wisdom often tells us that in order to increase productivity, we need to add more resources—more money, more effort, more materials. But God’s way presents a different path: a focus on efficiency. Scripture shows that when we maximize the potential of the resources already in our hands, it unlocks the door to even greater blessings and opportunities.

This approach is counterintuitive to the world’s thinking. Many believe that success is simply about spending more to gain more. But God’s prescription is one of stewardship and resourcefulness. By being efficient with what we have, we achieve not only sustainability but a position of readiness for more.

However, there is a cautionary note in this pursuit of efficiency. While seeking to increase productivity without increasing resources, we must remain vigilant. There is always a tipping point—a place where resources are stretched too thin and efficiencies start to crumble. Pushing too hard can have disastrous long-term consequences, both in business and in our personal lives.

In my experience, both personally and professionally, I often categorize progress into macro and micro movements. Early on, it’s common to find macro movements—large, impactful changes that can propel us forward quickly. These are the "low-hanging fruit" opportunities that require relatively moderate effort for significant gains. But once those macro opportunities have been realized, we must shift our focus to the smaller, more incremental changes that drive micro movements.

This is where I believe scripture most profoundly speaks: the little things we do with the resources we already have that continue to improve our impact. By carefully balancing macro and micro movements, we can create both sustainable progress and a strong foundation for growth.

If we focus solely on macro movements, we risk building a weak infrastructure that collapses under its own weight. Conversely, if we only chase micro movements, progress becomes so slow that we may find ourselves falling behind the changing landscape of our environment.

To manage this balance, I use a tool called the Ease-Impact-Probability (EIP) process. This process starts with brainstorming potential improvements that could increase productivity. Each idea is then evaluated on three scales: ease, impact, and probability.

First, we assess ease—how simple or resource-intensive it will be to implement, rated from 1 to 7, with 7 being the easiest. Next, we rate impact—how significant a change this will bring to the organization, considering not just profitability but also cultural or structural benefits. Finally, we evaluate probability—how likely it is that this effort will succeed. Often, we get overly optimistic about the potential of our ideas, so it's important to ground this assessment in reality.

For example, if an idea is rated 6 on ease, 5 on impact, and has a 75% probability of success, its EIP score would be calculated as:

EIP=(Ease+Impact)×Probability%

EIP=(6+5)×0.75=8.25

To better visualize these evaluations, I recommend using a horizontal bar graph. On the Y-axis, you list each idea that was brainstormed. The X-axis represents the overall Ease-Impact-Probability (EIP) score, which is derived by adding the ease and impact scores and multiplying that sum by the probability percentage.

The horizontal bar graph provides a quick, visual way to identify the best opportunities. The longer the bar, the higher the overall EIP score, allowing us to easily focus on high-value ideas.

By methodically working through this EIP process, we maintain a balance between macro and micro movements, building both momentum and a strong foundation for long-term success. This approach aligns us with God's principle of stewardship—using our resources wisely and efficiently, so we may be entrusted with even more.

Greg Driskell