THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF THE TOP BUTTON

A ripple effect happens when something or someone takes the place of God in our lives.  Our lives get out of line.  It’s like getting the top button on a shirt wrong.  You get that one wrong and then all the others are off.  But if you get the top button right all the others line up.  Call it alignment.  When God is not in His rightful place in our lives, then the rest of the buttons in our lives are not aligned.  Jesus put it this way, “Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well” (Matt. 6:33 NCV). 

When anything takes the place of God in our lives – a venture, a career, ambition, a relationship, our plans – a ripple effect occurs.  When our venture and plans are up we’re up, but when they’re down we’re down.  And in that roller coaster ride a clue can be found about one’s identity.  A person’s entire identity may be founded on that venture or career or relationship.  That’s one of the problems with idolizing.  It leaves a person emotionally spent and insecure. 

The challenge is to die to self.  Here’s an idea to help us keep God first in our lives:  Periodically pause and close our eyes and reflect on the moment of our salvation.  Think about where you were, the prayer you prayed, and how God has changed you.  Then walk through some Bible verses in your mind reminding yourself of who you are in Christ.  You are not who others think you are; you’re who God says you are.  You are His child.  You are loved, secure, and accepted through Christ.  You have God’s Spirit living within you.  You’re a conqueror through whatever you go through because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross which has provided for your forgiveness and new life which lasts forever.  You are called, set apart, and chosen.  You really can do everything He calls you to do. 

Make this little routine a habit and it will have a huge effect on how you see everything and how you live.  A consistent life of prayer helps us keep our eyes on Christ and off of the approval of people.  And that helps us get the top button right.