Cause & Effect
I do believe that there are consequences (good or bad) to my choices and my behavior. I looked up the phrase “Cause & Effect” and found that it is derived from “Causality”. This word means: 1“the relationship between something that happens or exists and the thing that causes it”; 2 “the idea that something can cause another thing to happen or exist.” I think that most behavior has a “cause and effect” to it. I was not aware of the connection between “Cause & Effect” and the Buddhist concept of Karma. I believe that the Creator of the EVERYTHING is God and He is the One who introduced “Cause & Effect”. I believe if you play with fire you just might get burned. I also believe if I choose the right thing more than the wrong thing, my life will go much smoother. (That is quite a “general” statement!)
Paul is instructing Titus, a young pastor about some concepts that the church needs to be taught. These concepts are basic and simple but “spot on”. Check this out….
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:1-8 NIV)
There are some powerful concepts tucked in these verses. Many of these have “cause and effect” written all over them. Being subject to authority is another way of saying, “no one is above the law”. As a Christian, I should show respect and be peaceful even when I don’t agree. If I don’t agree with another, I shouldn’t hate them, but “be gentle, peaceable and considerate to everyone”.
My past has caused me great pain and sometimes it still does. However, God showed up with immeasurable kindness, grace and mercy & He saved me. Paul is straight up asking those of us who are saved to do what is good be-“cause” we are saved! I love the fact that my past can be erased and my future is filled with hope!
Cause: His Grace found me and saved me.
Effect: I’m showing love, respect and honor to others –because He made them too.
Pressing On! Dwayne