Dominoes of Choice

When my brothers and I were young, we liked to stand dominoes on end all over the table or floor. Once satisfied with our long winding trail, we would knock the first domino down, with the gentle touch of our finger and watch all the remaining quickly fall in sequence. A thrill we would repeat again and again.

Those tumbling little rectangles make a great metaphoric picture of our daily lives. Every thought, word, and deed will cause a cascade of events that may be seen or unseen. We have the power to set in motion a heaven-bound or hell-bound reaction.

Give Life
Another way to think of it, every decision we make can be a “life-giving” choice. Will it have an eternal impact in the positive or negative? If it is something good, then it will be life-giving no matter how insignificant the action seems. That is why the Bible tells us even a cup of cold water given in the name of Jesus is a good thing.

Two Origins/Two Ends
James describes the two opposing origins of thought and actions in detail. “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace” (James 3:13-18, CSB).

As you read the illustrative language James uses, can you see the dominoes begin to topple? Do you see the evidence of motion towards a specific destination or outcome? Something earthly, unspiritual, or demonic would commence from hell. While the fruit of righteousness would be acts originating with God—pointing toward Heaven.

A small action for Christ can have eternal reverberations. Let’s tip some dominoes of righteousness today—go, bless someone.

Prayer
Father God, You created every person in Your likeness and image. Because of sin, sometimes it’s a real challenge to behave toward people with genuine love and compassion. You love me and have forgiven me. With the power of the Holy Spirit, my choices can match Yours. Protect me from the lies and schemes of the enemy. I want my thoughts, deeds, and actions to point towards Jesus, the one who forgives me – my Redeemer.

Father, thank You for giving us the freedom to choose. Open my eyes to opportunities You set before me this day. Give me the discipline necessary to minister and serve with a pure heart. May Your grace touch others as it flows through me creating a cascade of righteousness and peace.

Dominoes image ID: 97497423 Copyright Viktoriya Kuzmenkova | Dreamstime.com