By: Obed Pineda
Science teaches us that there are universal laws that cannot be denied under the sun. One such law is the law of cause and effect. According to this universal truth, every effect has a cause that provoked it. For example, if you stand in front of a lake that is sitting still and cast a pebble into it, the lake will then have a ripples and will no longer be still. The ripples causing the lake water to move are an effect of the pebble you threw into the lake. Irrefutably, logic dictates that the bigger the stone you cast into the lake, the bigger the effect you will create. The universal law of cause and effect is also very true when it pertains to the decisions made by man on a daily basis. Hence the purpose Scripture repeatedly reiterates, “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7b). Since this universal law cannot be violated, it becomes abundantly clear why the apostle Paul communicates that “we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2nd Corinthians 5:9-10, emphasis added). The apostles’ inspired words to the brethren in Galatia and Corinth resonates with this universal law, but also discloses that our eternal destination is contingent on how we chose to live our lives here on earth. In other words, the choices we make in the body (cause) will determine where our final, eternal abode will be (effect). Still, it is important to understand that although this spiritual truth is absolute, it does not negate the truth that our actions on earth will produce consequences here on earth as well. It is important that we are able to distinguish the key difference between the two. The Koheleth provides the following insight that assists in this endeavor: “for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6, emphasis added). In a book where the focus is man’s life under the sun, the inspired Solomon provides a profound spiritual lesson man must not ignore when he makes sinful decisions. The essence of his lesson is that while man is alive, he can still make himself right with God. Still, his instruction also validates that the earthly punishment is not “joyful for the present; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11, emphasis added). Both inspired scribes are concurring that the purpose for man to be chastened on earth is so that he will learn from his mistakes and become stronger. They are echoed by the prophet Isaiah as he pronounced the Lord’s word, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10, emphasis added). This reality, was undeniable in the forging of Abraham as he returned from the land of Egypt. It is curious, however, that Abraham’s next trial was somewhat contrast to his previous one. Let us recall that the reason he left to Egypt was because there was a sever famine in the promised land (Genesis 12:10). In his second trial, however, Abram is no longer in scarcity but instead “Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had and Lot with him, to the South. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:1-2, emphasis added). It is valuable to recognize that wealth for some people can become a hindrance rather than a blessing. The popular belief is that the harder challenge is to go from wealth to poverty. Yet, we must bring to memory the words of the apostle of the Gentiles as he stated, “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:12, emphasis added). Behold the lesson that is now being given to father Abraham! It is wise not to forget that when Abram decided to go to Egypt, he did so without consulting God. Jehovah had mercifully prospered Abram in the land of Egypt to teach him that even in the midst of tribulation, He is always present. His divine intervention of preventing Sarai from committing adultery also chastised Abram for putting his needs above those of Sarai. Therefore, the manner in which he gained these riches created the ripple effect of what would transpire with Lot, since Scripture confirms that Lot was with them in Egypt (Genesis 13:1, 5). Holy Writ reveals that Abram’s newfound wealth caused a problem for him and his nephew because “the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock” (Genesis 13:6-7, emphasis added). Abram was once again faced with a decision that would affect his entire family; only this time it appeared in a time of abundance. The overwhelming abundance of God’s providential hand, paved the way for Abram to grow from his previous stumble. Thus “Abram said to Lot, ‘Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren” (Genesis 13:8, emphasis added). Without a doubt, these words differ immensely from the ones he shared with his wife. Observe how in this instance he was more concerned for preserving his relationship with his nephew than he was about losing his livestock. His mindset had changed from self-preservation to putting the needs of his family first. Unlike his previous mistake, this time Abram “let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4, emphasis added). Verily Abraham had accepted the Lord’s reprimand for he esteemed Lot above himself. Although to him the promises were made and the land had been given, Abraham did not allow this to plague his heart with pride or self-righteousness. Instead, he chose the path of humility and peace, by putting his nephew before himself. It is valuable to recognize that although Lot chose greedily (Genesis 13:10-11), Abraham did not hold it against him. This precious truth is displayed by him when he repays Lot’s evil with an amazing blessing. To be continued…