Ripple Effect by Joe Stowell

I pray . . . that you may approve the things that are excellent." Philippians 1:9-10 As a kid, one of my favorite pastimes was skipping stones across the surface of a smooth lake. Inevitably, ripples would flow from the impact of the stone. It’s like that with choices. Every choice we make creates a ripple effect on our lives as well as on the lives of others. The choices we have made throughout life determine where we are and what we are becoming. Choices are also telling. What we really want, love, and think show up in the choices we make. It’s no wonder then that Paul urged us to make “excellent” choices—choices that emanate from a heart fully committed to Jesus. He stated that when our love abounds in knowledge and discernment, we are able to understand what is best, so that we may “approve the things that are excellent” (Phil. 1:9-10). Excellent choices are the proof of a life that is deeply committed to Jesus and His ways, and they have the ripple effect of filling our lives “with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11). As a friend of mine wisely told me, our lives are not made by the dreams we dream but by the choices we make. Let’s make excellent ones! Do a deed of simple kindness, Though its end you may not see; It may reach, like widening ripples, Down a long eternity. —Norris Make an excellent choice and watch the ripple effect of blessing. Categories: Character, Choices, Christian life, Decisions Tags: character, choices, decisions