"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."
It's a cliche for sure, but if you think about it for a second, you can see some truth to it and some applications (or how we should act and react).
Here's what I want you to do. I am going to just write a few ideas and I want you to think of the possible "opposite and equal reactions" for each one. Let me make sure we are good by giving a sample:
Love:Hate
Now that I think you've got it, let's get started!
Truth:
Sleep:
War:
Those of you who know me know that three is my favorite number and you know why... so let me give you three quick thoughts:
Obviously, this catchy saying talks about two things, action and reaction, and their correlation. Think for a minute about situations when someone acts and then how people react to it. Now, if you are like me, think of times when you react impatiently, maybe even seeming angry at someone and "blowing up" on them for something they did or didn't do. Even if the person's action or lack of action was wrong, we are just as wrong for reacting that way. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So actions and reactions can be harmful, but not always.
Thankfully, helpful actions and right reactions are also just as real, though perhaps more rarely evident. I can't help but think of X-Men First Class here, so pardon me if I seem like I am just being nerdy, but I promise there is a point and connection, a connection-point. The movie is pretty awesome, if I do say so myself, and really effectively tells a story. Much of that story is centered on the ideologies of two characters - Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Eric Lensherr (Magneto). The one ideology is to fight for mankind and promote peace while the other is to fight against mankind and promote violent vengeance. The turning point in the story is when Eric Lensherr becomes Magneto and much of that part in the story hinges on the different viewpoints on action and reaction that Professor X and Magneto hold. Both Professor X and Magneto agree that mutants are different than the rest of mankind. It's not the issue that drives them apart, but it is their reaction to that issue that is the defining factor that determines their actions. Professor X realizes that mutants are different but hopes and works toward a way where they can still be somewhat accepted in society. On the other hand, Magneto sees the same situation in a different light. He blames humans for the evil in the world and sees mutants as superior (which in this case they definitely are). However, again I do not think this is even an issue between the two. The issue is how they seek to use that superiority. Professor X seeks to use that superiority for the betterment of mankind while Magneto seeks to use it as a way to rule over mankind.
I say all of that to submit to you that in a way we are like mutants. That is, we are not like unbelievers in this world... and we are not supposed to be. However, we are also not supposed to hold that over people's heads and puff ourselves up because we think we are somehow better than them. The only difference between us and them is Jesus and that makes all the difference! I find it really incredible that Professor X has the ability to read minds and in that way is able to feel what people are feeling. I know we don't have the ability to read minds as believers but we can still empathize. How? Why? Because we used to be the same if indeed the only difference is Jesus and Jesus makes all the difference! We used to be without Christ and still struggle with things people struggle with because, after all, we are people too! The difference is what actions we take in that struggle and how we react in situations. Here's an ending thought: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." God's action requires a reaction. Obedience is an action. Working out your own salvation is an action, but it is also a reaction to the fact that God has already taken the action in working in us, as this verse mentions. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. God's action requires an action and a reaction, but all of our actions and reactions will never be equal to His action.
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
No comments:
Post a Comment