The Domino Effect

When I was a little girl, I was always fascinated by the domino effect – falling dominos in elaborate patterns. I wished to collect enough dominos to create my own elaborate designs and patterns. To have each domino fall perfectly, one by one, in place to produce a classic chain reaction was the ultimate goal! It’s funny what captures our attention as kids.

It’s also pretty amazing that you and I can be part of a dynamic domino effect in life now. As Christians, we are all presented with the opportunity to participate. We can be a part of the most significant and important chain reactions ever seen. It begins with God, His Holy Spirit, and us being sensitive to His voice.

God places us where He wants us to be and puts us on the paths of others who He wants us to meet. He gives us the right words to speak and missions in our hearts. Each one of us can influence the life of one person or many by what we say, how we encourage, and how we live. The impact of our faith pushes forward in a powerfully positive way making a lasting impression on the life of another. In turn, that person may be so inspired by our words or encouragement that they push forward to inspire others. It may even spark a continuous God ordained chain of events!

When I think about God’s enormous, awesome power working through us in this way, two things come to mind.

The first is the power of our words. The responsibility we have with what we speak and not speak is weighty. The Bible has a lot to say about how we use our words and what comes out of our hearts. Here are a few verses on the subject – Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6, Proverbs 10:32, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 17:28, and Proverbs 18:21.

Our words can certainly build someone up or tear them down. It’s also wise to know when to be silent just as well. Most importantly, I want to have a sensitive ear to Christ’s words and what He guides me to speak into someone else’s life. Sometimes, it only takes a simple sentence or truth instilled in one person that ignites a God given plan, ministry, or revolution in motion. Not to mention, the peace, joy, and encouragement our words bring to one’s life at just the right time.

The second is the importance of humility. We should be humble about where we stand in this domino effect. Sometimes, I feel too much pride in my own self-importance. Other times, I think my place in God’s kingdom feels very unimportant, but it’s not! Maybe, our mission appears small compared to others, but it’s equally important! Even when our place in the domino line feels tiny, you and I are put there by God. And I don’t want to let my jealousy of someone else’s position or perceived more important role or vast influence stop the line I’m in from moving forward.

I want to be a humble and willing participant, because it’s not about us anyway. It’s the work of Christ Who has given us every wonderful thing we each indeed don’t deserve. We are here to glorify His work – to Christ be all the glory!