The Butterfly effect
The butterfly effect is a concept that states that "small causes can have larger effects".
This concept was initially used in theories about weather prediction but later the term became a popular metaphor in science writing.
According to this theory “Each path produces a different outcome”
The butterfly effect is the idea that small things can have non-linear impacts on a complex system. The concept is imagined with a butterfly flapping its wings and causing a typhoon. Translated into mass culture, the butterfly effect has become a metaphor for the existence of seemingly insignificant moments that alter history and shape destinies.
Actually the term “The Butterfly Effect”, was a phenomenon proposed in a doctoral thesis written in 1963 by Edward Lorenz. It states that a butterfly, by flapping its wings in one place and time is able to create a major weather event in another place and time, eventually having a far-reaching ripple effect on subsequent events.
Do not despise these small beginnings — Zechariah 4:10
Cause and Effect is an often overlooked principle.
How does this affect us Spiritually?
Think about decisions you’ve made that caused an effect in what you are doing today. Certain things had a positive impact while others affected you negatively.
Big things had once a small beginning and it’s crucial that you apply yourself to do all things with excellence because you never now the future impact of your small decisions.
We can do the right thing with the wrong attitude and if so we cannot expect the blessing of God in what we do.
By other hand we can do a wrong move and God blesses us because we are his Children and He loves us. Outcomes are unpredictable but with God on your side there is always room for a second chance.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
God knows we live in the middle of a crooked generation. This week I was listening on the Radio about an English test with multiple answers where it was asked “What do you call to the act of betrayal, when a husband has sex with another woman?” The right answer was “an affair”. God’s answer is “adultery”. It doesn’t really matter what you call it, the outcome is sinful and if you think that God is going to bless your sinful actions you are up to a sad discovery that the wages of sin is death.
Sometimes we can do wrong decisions without committing a sin, and the Bible tells us the principle of life of doing all things in the name of our Lord Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In Hinduism, Buddhism and other religions, this concept is referred to as karma , which basically means that you get what you give. In other words, “Whatever you intentionally do to others, a similar thing will happen to you in the future.”
The butterfly effect in the law of sowing and reaping.
This law is one of the most important things we can learn in Scripture.
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap
Thousands of years ago one of the friends of Job—no stranger to suffering-observed that
For every choice you make, for every action you take, there will be a reaction or a consequence, be sure of that. A bad decision may bring disappointment. It may create unbearable responsibilities and destroy relationships. Good decisions, on the other hand, will bring blessings and help us set obtainable goals that will enhance relationships and life in general, even in difficult situations.
However, we generally want to do things our own way, and so we ignore or avoid the advice of loved ones and we go ahead with decisions that may effect our entire future. And, more often than we care to admit, God is completely left out of our decision making.
When you are about to make a choice, think of the consequences of that decision and ask yourself, “How will this decision affect me and those around me. Am I doing it for my pleasure and convenience only? Will the ripple effect be good or bad? Am I asking for God’s will to be done or only my will, regardless of the consequences?”
The butterfly effect affects our lives and our future. In essence, the butterfly effect portrays how every decision we make and everything we do has a profound effect on everyone and everything around us. That’s the butterfly effect at its best. And it all revolves around small decisions that we make every day.