“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT)
The “Domino Effect” is a term used to signify a chain reaction where one event initiates a chain of similar, relative events. The term is used as an analogy to falling rows of dominoes.
Our actions have consequences; that is, the things we do have an effect. The resulting effect is a chain reaction that has an impact not only on us individually but on others as well. As with the falling domino analogy, the resulting effect will also have an affect on others. When our actions are negative in nature, they will produce negative effects. Conversely, our positive actions will have positive effects.
As believers, we must be aware that our actions have these impacting consequences. Our negative actions will have an unfavorable influence on others. If we do not walk in the light of faith, we will stumble, fail, and fall. When fall, we bring about a domino effect causing those around us to stumble, fail, and fall with us as well.
On the other hand, when we walk in the light as Christ is in the light (see 1 John 1:7), we reflect the light of Christ into the world and onto those around us. The result is what we refer to as the “Reverse Domino Effect”. Instead of the rows of dominoes falling, we raise the rows of dominoes back to a standing position. We counteract any previous negativity that has caused the dominoes to fall and help to raise them up again. In other words, instead of knocking down those around us, we lift them up, strengthen them, and keep them from falling.
Our positive actions have a positive influence on those around us. When we are secure in our faith and keep the Lord’s commands, we help to provide a stable foundation on which we can help others to stand and to build. That stable foundation is our Lord Jesus Christ. The wise builder will build his house upon the rock and the house will not fall (see Matthew 7:24-27).
“Dominoes” set upon the rock of Christ will not fall. Neither will they cause others around them to fall but rather will be rooted in the firm and stable foundation found in Jesus Christ that together all will remain strong and stay standing.
Lets us stay strong and lead by the example of Jesus. Let us make our paths straight and build our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ so that others will not fall and will be made strong (cf. Hebrews 12:13).
Lord Jesus, lead us and guide us that we may follow Your example. Help us to build upon Your stable foundation that we may stand firm and not fall. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen. †
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