Altering the Course of the Future (This is a Game Changer)
My favorite example to use about altering the course of the future is from a man named Edward Lorenz. In 1963, Edward Lorenz made a presentation to the New York Academy of Sciences. The entire committee laughed at him. His theory, called the butterfly effect, stated that a butterfly could flap its wings and set air molecules in motion that, in turn, would move other air molecules–which would then move more air molecules—eventually becoming able to influence weather patterns on the other side of the planet.
Listen to the Good Christian Podcast episode about this post:"How to Positively Impact the Course of the Future"
For years this theory remained a comical myth. But, in the mid-1990s, physics professors from several universities proved that the butterfly effect was accurate, viable, and worked every time.
This same "effect" is true in our lives: every word and action matters.
When you are making what seems to be a minor decision, think of the long-term effect. Think about what your actions mean for your future. Just as important, the future of those around you. Every decision you make, no matter how big or small, alters the course of the future. Everything you do matters.A man named Andy Andrews wrote a book on this topic. 'The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters' (I recommend reading this book. It is a 20 - 30 minute read and well worth it.) Andy says something that has stuck out to me over the years and even inspired this post.
"Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. And you have within you the power to change the world."
God created you as one of a kind with your unique ability to change the world.
God created you to alter the course of the future. Each of us is here to make a long-term difference. The choices we make each day hold a long-term impact on the future of the earth. These choices will either be beneficial or detrimental to the future.
Altering the course of the future in action
Last year, I was talking with a young guy in the gym. I had met him a few times but didn't know much about him. He was bragging about how he was drinking and driving while getting drugs for people. My response to his comments was not what he expected.Instead of offering a non-confrontational response, I stopped what I was doing, looked straight at him, and in a loving way said, "You're not a kid anymore; at some point, you are going to have to grow up and be a man. I remember when I came to this realization at your age. I looked to God to show me what kind of man I needed to be."
He was in shock for a minute, and then we both went back to our separate workouts.
A week later, I saw this same guy in the gym. He walked right up to me and said, "What you told me last week made me realize some things. You're right; I need to be a man. I started going back to church this past weekend, and I am going to get my life in order because I know that this is what a man is."
Related Post: Today’s Decisions Chart The Course For Future Generations
If I had decided to go along with what this young guy said to me with a simple "cool story bro" type of response, he would not have changed the course of his life. He probably would have ended up in jail at some point. Who knows where he would be today!What helped change the direction of this young guy's life? A small bold comment, 15 seconds of my time. As a result, the course of the future changed.In conclusion, I want to share how the butterfly effect took place in this story. A few months later, one of this guy's friends, who was also on the wrong path, decided to start going to church as well. He began to bring people to church with him. He got saved months later and married someone they also brought to church—all of this set into motion by a small 15-second response.Everything you do matters - You're changing the course of the future right now.