Cause and effect – It’s the law!!
It’s Newton’s Third Law actually. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So if it is the law we had better obey it. I think it carries to the law of sowing and reaping. You know, we reap what we sow?
That is how God provides for our day to day needs and if we obey the law and do what we should then I suspect God would not have to bail us out. What we usually ask for are ‘poof’ prayers and ‘poof’ blessings to get us out of a tight spot.
There was a show a couple of years ago called Joan of Arcadia. If you don’t know it then this will be harder to understand but basically Joan was a high school girl that God talked to. I mean He appeared as different people and had a real face to face conversation. I have clipped a part of a transcript here that shows what I mean. They are sitting down playing chess and they say:
Joan – How did I beat that kid at chess?
God – He was using logic. You weren’t. It’s impossible to guard against chaos. It’s rare, but it happens. Blacks move.
Joan – I don’t want to… I don’t know how to play this game.
God – And yet you play the game.
Joan – Because I’m forced to.
God – Forced to? Your friends make a suggestion, which you follow up on, and then you’re surprised at the outcome? It’s a causal universe. Move.
Joan – Wait a minute, I’m being punished because I made a tiny little effort to fit in?
God – It’s not about punishment. It’s that actions have consequences, and to be in denial of that is to be disengaged from the laws of the universe, which renders you powerless and vulnerable to an inordinate amount of pain. Other than that, it’s no big deal… move…. (She touches one of the pieces and then changes her mind)No….
Joan – No?
God – It’s a rule called “touch move.” Once you touch a piece, you have to move that piece.
Joan – I’m not allowed to change my mind? What kind of universe is that?
God – Oh, you can change your mind, but you still have to play that piece. So you should think before you move.
Joan – Wait a minute, this is a metaphor… Yeah, I looked up “metaphor” and that’s definitely an example… Yep… took the bait. So now I’m in the game. How do I get out?
God – There are many ways to get out; surrender is one, losing is another. Winning, cheating, which I don’t recommend, but you have to do something. You have to have a strategy. See the number one rule in chess is this; whatever you do, don’t play the other person’s game. Play your own… Your move.
This idea that God sets up rules and has us follow them seems to resonate with me right now. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
I think when Jesus told the disciples to not worry about what they would eat or what they would wear, it was a time that they were worrying and because God was in the ministry and they were doing what God called them to do, he certainly would provide. We are not supposed to worry either. There is a balance to work that I personally struggle with but lately God is working on me to focus on doing my part and to let him do his part. I guess that is what i am trying to say here.
Follow the rules and trust God for his part and don’t worry. God is big enough and he wants to bless you. Do your part so he can.
Thanks for listening,
Jerry W. Robertson