The law of cause and effect, sometimes referred to as the principle of causation, is a basic concept in life. It says for every action, there is a reaction. Doing A causes B. Actions in the past helped shape the present. Actions in the present will help shape the future.
This is more than a law of nature. It is also a Biblical teaching.
“Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
“According to what I have seen, those who sow iniquity and those who sow trouble harvest it.” (Job 4:8)
“Treat people the same way you want them to treat you.” (Matthew 7:12)
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32)
The principle of cause and effect applies to relationships. In the sermon series “Future Family” that we started yesterday, my goal is to help all of us understand that the kind of family we have in the future will be shaped in large measure by what we do today. Today’s actions, words, attitudes, habits, and decisions (CAUSE) will have an impact (EFFECT) on the quality of our family relationships tomorrow.
Between now and Mother’s Day we’re going to study the third chapter of Colossians. Verses 18-21 paint the picture of a family that gets along and loves each other. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters – all these relationships matter.
How do we increase the likelihood these relationships will be healthy in future? By doing today what Paul describes in verses 1-17. Those verses talk about the way we treat each other as fellow believers. I believe they also apply to how we treat one another in our families. Why should I treat people at church better than I treat my family?
I encourage you to read this chapter (Colossians 3) every day between now and Mother’s Day. Underline key words and verses that speak to you. Make notes in your Bible’s margins. Pray about the things God brings to your attention. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you how to be a better you so you can be a better husband, wife, parent, son, daughter, brother, sister, cousin, etc.
We all have hopes for what our family will be like in five or ten or twenty years. It takes more than hope to make those hopes a reality. It takes concrete action. Join us each Sunday and learn how to make your hopes for the future more than just wishful thinking.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Pastor Steve, I attended service for the first time Sunday. I was raised UCC and entered into World Wide Church of God when I married my husband. After realizing WWCOG was a scam we stopped attending and I sporadically attended a Lutheran church with my children for many years. I enjoyed your service Sunday and especially your sermon. While the format is much different then what I am accustomed to I left with many key topics to ponder this coming week. My daughter was baptized Sunday and I am overjoyed that she has found a spiritual home at First Baptist. I want to thank you and your First Baptist family for welcoming her with loving arms!