The Ripple Effect

This weekend Emily and I witnessed our two oldest sons make a public declaration of their faith in Jesus – it was awesome! We celebrated with them in worship and in their baptism and afterwards our family all shared a meal together. We gave them gifts and let them know that their decision to follow Jesus was the biggest and best decision they’ll make their entire lives! Later that day my parents offered to watch our kids so we could go out. Emily and I went kayaking out of Cove Cay Marina and found it to be so peaceful. It was both beautiful and tranquil. We saw fish jumping out of the water, birds flying all around us and even a few dolphins swim right next to our kayak and play for a while. On occasion a boat would come by and we would see and feel the ripple effect of it’s wake. And then it hit us…

What we do matters more than we think! Emily thought about how over a decade ago her sister invited her to church and how that simple invite changed the trajectory of her life! It was that invitation that positioned her to hear the gospel that day and it was her decision there at church to follow Jesus that changed everything. Now, ten years later we’re witnessing our two sons publicly declare they’re going to follow Jesus all their days! Think about that… The power of one invitation is impacting generations! And I believe generations to come as they grow up and share the hope they have with their families, friends, coworkers, etc.

There’s a song by Sara Groves titled, “Generations” that communicates this powerful truth, “Remind me of this with every decision, generations will reap what I sow, I can pass on a curse or a blessing, to those I will never know.” It’s true! Our actions create a series of ripples or consequences not only in our lives and not only in the lives of those around us but also for all those who will come after us. Generations will reap what we sow!

This truth is communicated all throughout the Scriptures. We’re encouraged to pause and think about how we can give back and sow into the lives of others both now and long after we’re gone. “God, help us to think about this with every decision…That generations will reap what I sow…”

As the apostle Paul faced more and more persecution he knew the end was imminent. It’s in this context that he says farewell to the leaders of the church of Ephesus and leaves them with this great truth that he remembered Jesus saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:35 This reminds me of a poem from pastor Ernest Campbell,

“To be young is to study in schools we did not build.

To be mature is to build schools in which we will not study.

To be young is to sit under trees we did not plant.

To be mature is to plant trees under which we will not sit.

To be young is to dance to music we did not write.

To be mature is to write music to which we will not dance.

To be young is to worship in churches we did not build.

To be mature is to build churches in which we will not worship.”

May this be an encouragement to you today. Live a selfless life. Make decisions with both eternity and future generations to come in mind. Start a ripple effect…