“CAUSE AND EFFECT”
(1 Kings 9:1-28; 2 Chronicles 7:11-8:18)
“As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD and the king’s house and all that Solomon desired to build, the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon.” – 1 Kings 9:1-2
Cause and effect is the relationship between two events or situations, where one of the two is the cause of the other. The cause is the initiating event or situation, and the effect is the result of the cause. This is true in all matters of life – including our walk in the Lord. In our passage today, we see what God has done, and then God shares the cause and effect of Solomon’s response to God.
- What God Has Done (1 Kings 9:1-3) God has heard your prayer and your plea to Him. He has sanctified your work for Him. He has “put His name” on the things you have done for Him! He will be there for you at all times, never leaving nor forsaking you!
- Cause and Effect of Walking with God (1 Kings 9:4-5) If you continue to live before God as a person of integrity, doing good, obeying God and His Word, then God will establish you and lack nothing in your life!
- Cause and Effect of Turning Away from God (1 Kings 9:6-9) However, if you turn away from God, walk in disobedience, and serve other Gods, then the effect will be cut off, and end up on ruins. Disaster will be in your future.
Know this – God has already provided for your salvation through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. God is not willing that anyone would perish. Your salvation is “paid in full!” However, to truly be saved is dependent upon your action! “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God!” (John 1:12 ESV) There is a cause and effect.
Likewise, one who trusts in Christ, but later turns away from God, there is a cause and effect of the action of turning away. “Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 ESV) There is a cause and effect.
So, how will you live today? There is a cause and effect from every action you take. Every decision you make.
Joshua perhaps said it best. “Choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)
Simple Truth:
You can do nothing to change what happened yesterday, but you can control your direction for today and the future by the decisions you make today!
Application:
- It’s not just the “big decisions” that matter! The accumulation of the effects of every decision, big and small, in your life will determine your life’s outcome!
- Your priorities matter! What is most important in your life? Things? Your job? Your finances? Or, God’s will? If your priorities are in order, your decisions will be proper!
- Time matters! Of all the things in your possession, the most important thing is time! Everything else is replaceable, but the time you have each day is irreplaceable! When it’s gone, it’s gone! Choose carefully how you use your time!
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I desire to make proper choices today for my life and my family. Help me to focus on what is most important, and to do what will please You and exalt Your name. I am Your servant – use me for Your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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