Life is but a series of chain reactions
Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1:5-8. Text: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Also: “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 5:4 and 8:30. As you study our scripture reading and text of meditation you will see that the chain reaction, or step-by-step consequence, or gradual cause-and-effect can be found in the Bible also. Perhaps you have not paid much attention to this phenomenon, but the chain reaction is playing an important role in our lives.
Chain reaction and the physical world.
“A series of reactions which becomes self-perpetuating through the formation as a product, of one of the same substances required for the initial reaction. The chain initiator may be an activated atom, molecule, radical, or even a thermal neutron as in the case of nuclear chain reactions.” Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia. Page 317.
Chain reaction and the Bible.
Besides what you can read above these verses also refer to the chain reaction,
– “I . . . am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:5-6.
– “I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” John 13:20. See also John 14:21, Romans 10:13-15.
– “Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” 1 Corinthians 3:22-23.
Chain reaction and Buddhism. Perhaps you heard about “karma.’
“Karma, which means ‘action,’ refers to an act we engage in as well as its repercussions. . . . Our present life results from our karma, our past actions. Our future situation, the condition into which we shall be born, the opportunities we shall or shall not have to better our state in life, will depend on our karma in this life, our present acts. Though our current situation has been determined by past behavior, we do remain responsible for our present actions.” An Open Heart. Practicing Compassion In Everyday Life by the Dalai Lama. P. 66, 68-69. The Buddhists believe in reincarnation.
Chain reaction and our moral world.
Be mindful of your thoughts for they determine your words. Be mindful of your words for they determine you deeds. Be mindful of your deeds for they determine your habits. Be mindful of your habits for they determine you character. Be mindful of your character for it determines your fate.
Chain reaction in dictatorship, where there is no freedom of speech.
Do not think. If you think, do not speak up. If you speak up, do not write it down. If you write it down, do not sign it. If you sign it, do not be surprised.
Chain reaction and Jesus Christ.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Matthew 5:38-41.
The cause-and-effect, the step-by-step logical consequence, thus we can say the chain reaction, had been broken and discontinued by our Lord. Apostle Paul had professed and practiced the same principle, please read Romans 8:35-39 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.
Mother Teresa’s testimony is a brilliant affirmation of Jesus’ teaching: “People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you have gotten anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.”
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.