BUTTERFLY EFFECT!
Sunday’s Monday
The term "butterfly effect" was coined in the 1960s by Edward Lorenz, a meteorology professor that used it in reference to predict the weather. The idea is that small seemingly trivial events may ultimately result in something with much larger consequences. The example given is, a butterfly flaps its wings in India, and that tiny change in air pressure could eventually cause a tornado in Iowa. I feel sure the majority has given little thought to the idea, as it is an extraordinarily complex subject with such ramifications when applied to the human lifestyle. How many think of what we do when we go off (be unkind) to another person? What kind of chain reaction did we just start? My thought would be, the domino effect, of actions and reactions, I was rude and unkind, which helped that person to have a bad day, damaging their attitude and causing their reaction toward things to be different the rest of the day. My point is, we may have just started a firestorm for their family and friends that may range farther and longer than imaginable. Please, take a moment to think of the incredible complexity of a smile. Can you imagine what a simple, powerful smile may do when given? A smile received in your hometown this morning could be shared with others ½ way around the world this afternoon. Truly think on this as you read on, Romans 12:10 (Voice), Live in true devotion to one another, loving each other as sisters and brothers. Be first to honor others by putting them first.
Now to bring this around to my point, I use rocks and ripples along with butterfly wings and air ripples to try to paint a vivid picture in your mind of how God works. When He has me toss a rock into a lake it creates ripples that carry on and only God knows where they will stop and the effect each will have. You see the rock is God’s message through us and God plans the overall effect the ripples have. Our responsibility ends with the rock (unless God so nudges), He has people to chase the ripples. For those that may not understand this analogy, the rocks are kind deeds, politeness, respect, concern, anything you would like done to you, do unto others. Your every thought, action, and word starts this phenomenon and each ripple be it water or air is filled with the purpose of God. I like to think this way if I smile at you first for that day every smile you share after that, is you sharing my smile with others. I witnessed the ripples in action when a Jesus lover invited me to a Christian event, and I went because I liked him and that night I fell in love with Jesus. I found Jesus because he was faithful in tossing God’s rock in my lake and the ripples overwhelmed me. Godly people faithfully toss Spirit-filled rocks, so God can use the ripples as described in Psalm 147:15 (Voice), His command ripples across the earth; His word runs out on swift feet. If we are merely obedient to God, He is using our ripples.
The question I pose is, do you know you’re making ripples of some type every day you live? Good or bad you are making ripples in air and water. I believe your ripples define who you truly are as to the depth of your commitment to Jesus. Take note! There is a direct correlation between your joy and your commitment to Jesus. You will not appear beaten down, or be grouchy, hateful, and/or complaining all the time if you’re actively living for Jesus. We have been transformed from a worm into a butterfly as found in John 15:15 (Voice), I don’t call you servants any longer; servants don’t know what the master is doing, but I have told you everything the Father has said to Me. I call you friends. At the moment we believe, Jesus forms a “living relationship” with us and together we grow it into a beautiful brother love.
Unlike the stone-creating ripples one can see, the wings of the butterfly are silent creating unseen moments that carry from spirit to spirit. The stronger our love the greater the butterfly effect! When a butterfly flaps its wings, it has no thought about what it causes elsewhere because it is natural for a butterfly to fly, so it should be with us. Living a Jesus lifestyle should become as natural as that butterfly flying and the effect of a Godly lifestyle says so much more than words. People seek the Jesus in you, not the Jesus on you! We live out 1 Corinthians 8:6 (Voice), For us, there is one God, the Father who is the ultimate source of all things and the goal of our lives. And there is one Lord - Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King; through Him all things were created, and by Him we are redeemed.
Father, I pray your prayer over each reader this week. John 17:22-23 (Voice), 22 All the glory You have given to Me, I pass on to them. May that glory unify them and make them one as We are one, 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be refined so that all will know that You sent Me, and You love them in the same way You love Me. May we love you enough to make plenty of glorious ripples? Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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