The Ripple Effect

What we do in life echoes in eternity - Gladiator

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

How often do we think about how much our actions really effect others? When we make decisions, or go about the course of our day, do we really take into consideration that everything we do can ultimately have a huge impact on those around us.

Everything in our lives is a product of the way we put our faith in action or our lack of action in the same area. Remaining submitted to God and His will, not only has a huge impact on our own well being but the well being of others.

Have you ever thought about the Pastor who falls, maybe he gets caught cheating, maybe he's caught in a lie, obviously the consequences are huge to him personally and spiritually. But have you ever stopped to think about the people he mentored, the people he lead to Christ, the marriages he ministered to, and all of the people inspired and challenged by this man?

Each one of us has the same responsibility, is called to the standard of a leader. We are all called to live our lives in a way that shares the love of Christ, that is pure and holy and upright. Because what we do, doesn't just effect us.

Everyone you encounter on a daily basis can be influenced positively or negatively based on the way you act out your faith. The person in the checkout line at Walmart that sees you wearing your churches t-shirt, will be influenced by your attitude and demeanor. Your best friend that's new to the faith will be influenced by how you execute yours and heed the Holy Spirit. The person that your dating that knows your a Christian but sees you fall into sin, or falls into sin with you. Your accountability partner that needs to be asked hard questions, and you don't. The person you dated and made promises that you didn't keep. The family that you've ministered to or lead to church that sees you making careless or emotional decisions. The people God wants you to minister to in the future, that need you to heed the holy spirit to find your way into their lives. The person you are supposed to marry, who will be your partner in ministry, who needs you to be walking in Gods will so you can meet. The person in your small group. The person you cut off in traffic. Your parents. Your co-workers. Everyone.

We tend to live our lives in such a selfish state that we convince ourselves that our setbacks, weaknesses, and sins only effect us. When in reality, and in the face of eternity, it's everyone else who really matters. We've been given grace, we've been redeemed, we've been given a plan for our lives. We've been given more than we could ever imagine or deserve already. And yet instead of surrendering to the will of God and walking in obedience, we so often choose our own paths and attitudes, based on our own limited knowledge or fickle emotions. It burdens my heart, because I am so guilty of it too.

It's like when you throw a rock into a lake, all of the water around it shifts outward. Every action we take, or refuse to take effects the people around us. But we've been given grace, freedom, power, and authority in Christ. And to whom much is given, much is required. We are called to a higher standard, we are called to walk in humility and put others first. We are called to prayerfully consider our actions, decisions, and emotions and submit them to God...because our heart, relationships, success, ministry, and purpose aren't the only things on the line, everyone else's are too.