We’ve heard them all before:
Cause and effect.
Correlations.
Actions and consequences.
Each phrase demonstrates a concept that’s been pounded into our brains since before many of us can even recall. Yet as we grow into adulthood, although we still intellectually understand it, it seems as though the application of this familiar theory has somehow managed to slip our minds. Usually, unless a situation personally and negatively affects us, we often live out our days blinded to the evidence of cause and effect in action.
I mean, in theory, God’s command seems incredibly simple: he’s just asking us to love one another. In Colossians, chapter 3, we’re reminded:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
A couple of weeks ago, several members of the Hands of Hope team returned from a mission trip to Honduras’ Tree of Life Mission. In just a matter of six days, they were able to repaint sections of the dormitories, hand out food and necessary supplies to villagers, set up and train others on new computers, provide dental care and pray with those in need. Each act, in the grand scheme of things, was fairly simple and yet their resulting effect was magnificent. The team was able to be a witness by demonstrating the power of God’s unfailing love.
He’s not asking us for a 20-page PowerPoint presentation with bar graphs and pie charts. He doesn’t want multiple reports on his desk by 9am demonstrating the possible profits gained from our decision to smile at someone. All He’s asking is that we practice love; that our cause be love, because He knows the effect will be incredible.