As we grow up, it does not take long for most people to realize that our actions affect others. When I was ten years old, I made up my mind I would never be an alcoholic like my mother’s brother. Maybe you grew up in an abusive home and were affected by the actions of another person.
Sometimes people question where Jesus was when they needed Him the most. God has given each person free will, and not every person uses their free will in a loving way. If another person has hurt you, God would like to bring healing to you. Cry out to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to help you forgive the other person. Ask the Lord to bring healing to your heart. Our Lord came to set the captives free.
In other situations, our actions can nurture, love, and care for others. A loving and caring parent can set a child on the road to success spiritually, emotionally, and physically. A devoted teacher can inspire a child to help them become who the Lord wants them to be. A caring neighbor, friend, or family member can be there during difficult times to help.
Moses’ Actions Affected the Nation
In our story of Moses, he did as the Lord commanded him to do. On the other side of the coin, Pharaoh refused to listen to God, and his actions would negatively affect many people. What if Pharaoh had turned to God? How many people would he have led to the Lord? One man’s hardened heart would affect untold generations. Also, remember one man’s decision to follow the Lord can affect untold generations. How many people has Moses affected by his life of following the Lord?
Exodus 7:20 So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. As Pharaoh and all of his officials watched, Aaron raised his staff and struck the water of the Nile. Suddenly, the whole river turned to blood!21 The fish in the river died, and the water became so foul that the Egyptians couldn’t drink it. There was blood everywhere throughout the land of Egypt.22 But again the magicians of Egypt used their magic, and they, too, turned water into blood. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had predicted.23 Pharaoh returned to his palace and put the whole thing out of his mind.24 Then all the Egyptians dug along the riverbank to find drinking water, for they couldn’t drink the water from the Nile.[1]
Paul Speaks About Our Actions
In Ephesians 4:31-32 Paul tells us how to make a difference in the life of others. These verses may be said as a prayer: Lord help me to 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (Lord with the work of your Holy Spirit in my heart help me)32 be kind to (others), tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven (me).[2]
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[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.