Our Actions Affect Other People
Posted on January 28, 2010 by Kris
Filed Under Exhortation | 3 Comments |
Today Jacob and I were driving along a road that borders the river. Because of all of the rain, the river has flooded. It is higher than I have ever seen in the 5 years that I have lived here. In fact, there are a couple of corn fields that are typically on the river bank, which were completely under water. I noticed that there was a ton of litter that had washed up in the fields, and I mentioned to Jacob how that was going to be a big mess for that farmer to clean up when the flood waters subsided. Jacob said something to the effect of, “That is just another reason that people shouldn’t litter. It affects other people when they do that.” I was impressed with his insight. His comment made me start thinking about how much our actions do affect other people. That person that threw one coke bottle out the window of their car probably never thought about how much trouble that bottle could cause someone else down the road (or the river as the case may be).
How often do our own actions cause problems for others? Many people have a philosophy that their actions are their own business, and that no one else has any right to “stick their nose” into our business. We think that our little insignificant action doesn’t hurt anyone, but in reality there is a ripple effect that can affect others in negative ways. When I think that my sin doesn’t affect any one else, I am only deceiving myself. It affects my family, and it affects my brethren (if they are as concerned about me as they should be.) It is amazing how often a Christian will become upset with his brethren trying to help him out of sin, or encourage him to be faithful.
What we need to do is pick that bottle up when we first see it. If we let them go, we will end up with a corn field full of garbage. That is what has happened to many churches. They are full of garbage that should have been cleaned up long before the field was flooded. We need to recognize that sin has far reaching consequences, and impacts more than just the person committing the sin. If we have concern for our brethren, why would we cause them heartache, and disappointment with our actions? How can we act as if our actions don’t have any affect on them? And if we are concerned for our brethren in sin, how can we turn our backs on them, and not be affected by their actions? In either case, our concern for our brethren should cause us to stay on top of every situation, not letting any act of sin get out of control.
I feel sorry for that farmer that will have to get out and clean up his fields before he is able to plow and plant next spring. But, I am far more concerned about the ripples that flow through the Lord’s church when sin is left to run rampant. Let’s help get rid of the single bottles, while the problem is manageable, and not wait for the accumulation of sin to make the challenge insurmountable.
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Excellent points. Thank you for the insights.
I hope this helps me remember to consider how my actions might affect someone else.
Great post. Floods can be very destructive and their aftermath difficult. As you pointed out, it’s easier to deal with sin when it starts. If left alone Satan will allow it to flood the congregation and leave everyone feeling overwhelmed and discouraged by the aftermath of the flood – much like that poor farmer.
Thanks for reading!