The summer days went by so quickly. They are hailed to be the “hazy and lazy days” supposedly going by slowly and yet they are gone in a flash. We spent much time outside in the yard with my granddaughters.
Sophia, six years old, soon discovered small, moth like creatures flying in our yard which she referred to as butterflies. Being quick and light on her feet, she would stalk them and then cup them in her hands. Opening her hands, ever so slightly, she would proudly let us all peek in, then release them to chase again and again. Each time she visited, she would hunt for her butterfly friends.
Watching her chase after these moths has made me think …
A moth or a butterfly come from a caterpillar. The caterpillar goes through an amazing process of change known as “metamorphosis”. A simple explanation of that process would be “the transformation from the immature to the mature” (thank you Wikipedia).
Perhaps it can also be known as “cause and effect.”
A “cause” is something which produces something new. It is the explanation of the change. Cause is also the producer of the change.
“Effect” is a change in something already existing. Effect is the result.
Our lives are nothing short of the process of metamorphosis …
Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed [the Greek word, metamorphoo, which we get our English word metamorphosis from] by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
The New Testament Lexical Aids states that this verse could be translated like this:
“And quit being so concerned about keeping up with the fads and fashions of the present age; rather, concentrate on letting your character undergo a metamorphosis by the renewing of your mind.”
Cause and effect at work in our lives.
The cause, the Producer of the effect is God and Paul tells us exactly how the change takes place:
“But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NIV)
It is all because of God’s grace at work in our lives. His grace is not without results.
And the effect, the result, are lives which are changed, transformed to reflect more of Jesus.
Our lives are the result of cause and effect.
And it is all God’s grace.
 Today I am joining … Three Word Wed. and Tell His Story and Wedded Wed. and Wed. Prayer Girls and Works For Me and Wholehearted Wed. .
Your definitions of “cause” and “effect” give a new twist to a familiar analogy. Thanks for shining new light on this topic!
It was a new realization for me the other day. Thanks for stopping here today!
I have been in Romans and 1st & 2nd Corinthians repeatedly for months. Much highlighting. Much prayer. Somehow I missed the depth of I Corinthians 15:10. Thank you for pointing it out today. His grace has such a great effect that it is simply awe-inspiring. Amen!
It was an amazing realization for me the other day. I love how God reveals something fresh & needed in His Word! Grateful you stopped here today!
Life is about cause and effect. I loved your choice of 1 Corinthians 15:10 and how simply it stated that because of God’s grace, I am what I am! Grace is such a beautiful gift and this gift has made us who we are. I will be reflecting on this more and examining this other side to grace through cause and effect. Thank you Joanne!
Mary, when we really stop to think about it, grace has a tremendous effect on us. It is constantly at work in our lives, bringing about change. May we never be the same, Mary, and all because of His grace! Blessings!!