The Ripple Effect

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

– Deuteronomy 30:19

My mind has been pondering the effects of our choices and actions on not only ourselves, but others as well. Everything we do and every choice we make, right or wrong, has a consequence. For example, if we turn on a light in a dark room, others who enter the room will be able to see too. There are endless possibilities. There are also negative effects too. If we aren’t responsible and making wise choices, we can easily bring stress and hurt to ourselves and others. It’s simply good versus bad.

All I know is the scope and sequence of our choices reach way further than our own personal boundary lines. As the old phone company slogan used to go, they “reach out and touch someone.” Most of the time our actions and choices touch more than a someone! It’s kind of like the ripple effect made in water.

The ripples keep spreading.

Our choices may result in a gentle, enjoyable ripple or perhaps a huge splash resulting in harsh, agitating ripples. I don’t want to be that person who affects another’s life in a negative way, the good Lord knows my heart. If I had my preference, I’d never ever be that person…but I’m human and am prone to make mistakes at times. You too?

Making right choices can inspire others to do and be better, offering an encouraging word may lift someone’s spirit, an act of kindness and a simple smile may help bring a ray of happiness into someone’s day. Making wrong choice can cause someone to stumble, a relationship to falter, or a heart to be broken and a life to wear scars forever.

Like I said, we’re all human and we make mistakes but I believe to make bad choices means we have taken time and contemplated. Choice is deliberate. We have made a selection - that’s the dictionary explanation. Why would we purposefully choose the wrong thing? As a child, our daughter used to say, “I did it on purpose!” instead of saying accidentally. She had it backwards and we thought it was cute; but to be an adult and consciously choose wrong is baffling. We’re supposed to learn and grow somewhere along the way.

I don’t want to make the wrong choices. The only way I know to combat that is to be sensitive to the Lord and do my best to walk in ways which please Him. If I walk in paths of righteousness, resist temptation and be of the mindset to do everything as unto Him, He will help me make wise choices. Proverbs is filled with this concept. Go check it out.

I want the ripple effect of what I do to bring about positive reaction. I don’t want to cause anyone else to stumble or feel the uncomfortable sensation of my wrong decision. God help me! I truly believe people who make bad choices don’t stop to count the cost. Our actions press on way past us!

I don’t know if this is making sense, but it is something to think about. How will this choice I make today affect my family? My job? My church? My reputation? It might make me feel good for the moment because I’m doing what I want to do…but what about the ripples? Choose right!

This is a little different, but in the world we live in today where there is so little self-constraint and respect for others and God, let us always remember we’re not an island to ourselves. Everything we do causes ripples in the ocean surrounding us. What will we be known for? Will we choose life and blessing. I hope so.

Think about it. Choose life, my friend! Then, get out there and get busy making some ripples others will enjoy.