Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 ESV
If you were to search for ripple effect, Wikipedia would tell you that a ripple effect occurs when an initial disturbance to a system propagates outward to disturb an increasingly larger portion of the system, like ripples expanding across water when an object is dropped into it.
Jesus called His disciples as He began His ministry. His first disciples called others to join them. In Matthew 4:24, it is stated that Jesus was brought to all who were afflicted. He healed those who were suffering from various diseases and pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. Then large crowds began to follow Him.
These large crowds followed Jesus because word got out. When he healed these people, they told other people who told other people, and so on.
When Jesus helps us in our afflictions today, we are likely to want to share the good news with someone. When we get saved, we certainly want to tell others what Jesus has done in our lives. Whatever we do also has a ripple effect.
Unfortunately, our negativity also has a ripple effect. This ripple effect can spread good news or bad news. The same holds for our behavior. Our children and others will tend to follow our behavior, be it good or bad.
The people who follow what we do have people who follow what they do, and so the ripple effect goes on. My question for you today is, what does your ripple effect look like? We can all envision ripples in the water as they radiate outward.
What do your ripples look like? Paul said in Galatians 5:9, “A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough.” In today’s terms, that might translate to “One apple can spoil the whole bunch”. Whether we know it or not, what we do affects others. We must be mindful of how it impacts others.
If we lead a sinful life, others will follow. Now you may say, “Well, that’s not my problem.” Well, actually, it is because it means that instead of encouraging others to come to Christ, you are putting up a stumbling block for them. The Bible has some unkind words for those who put up stumbling blocks for others.
Romans 14:13 says we should decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Matthew 18:7 says, “Woe to the one by whom temptation comes.” And in Matthew 18:6, Jesus said, “But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me-it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!”
Paul said in Galatians 5:19, “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.” Those who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God. These behaviors also have a ripple effect.
Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. When we practice these things, we see a ripple effect.
When we exhibit bad behavior, it causes that disruption on the surface. It can cause pain and anger for others and can ripple outward.
When we seek God and obey His commands and exhibit behavior that brings Him glory, honor, and praise, this too has a ripple effect. People see the peace and joy and love and kindness we have in our hearts, and they come to want that.
Today, I encourage you to be very aware of your ripple effect. Seek God with all your heart, strive to please Him, and watch the fruit of the Spirit ripple outward to others. Trust in Him today and share the love you have found in Him with those around you.
Have a great day!