The Boomerang Effect

When I was a kid, Uncle Keith, who traveled a lot because he was in the US Air Force, brought me a crazy gift - a curved piece of wood which he called a 'boomerang.' He took me out to our yard and showed something that made my mouth fall open in amazement. He took that curved thing, threw it, and - low and behold!! - it ended up nearly hitting me in the head as it made a big loop and came right back to us!

Last night, while watching The Apprentice, (http://www.nbc.com/nbc/The_Apprentice_3/) a reality show that is essentially a 16 week long job interview in which a candidate is weeded out each week, I saw the boomerang effect in play. Two candidates are left vying for the job with Donald Trump's organization. As a final qualifying project, Tana and and Kendra were given an event to produce and run. They were each given 3 people who had already been 'fired' from the program to be their assistants and the ones brought back were those who were most difficult to manage! Tana quickly established a hostile atmosphere by referring to her team as 'the 3 stooges' and observing a 'boss and employee' protocol. Kendra, did exactly the opposite. Despite her personal misgivings, she reached out to bring her team members onboard, giving them meaningful jobs and inviting their assistance. Tana's hostility quickly boomeranged back to her only making the job harder. Kendra's team served her with their whole hearts and at the conclusion of their successful event, embraced her with joy, sharing the win!

I thought about that and wondered, 'what am I throwing out there that will come back at me?'

The Bible doesn't speak of boomerang effects, but the wisdom of the Word reminds us that 'what a man sows, he will reap.' If we plant kindness, love, gentleness, and respect; these blessings will come back to us.

Here's the kicker for the Believer, we are to break the cycle when others hurl insults and hatred our way. With the help of the Spirit, here's the challenge for us.

• "Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." (1 Peter 3:8-11, NIV)

Today -- as you interact with others remember the boomerang effect. Throw out the kind of words and actions that you want to receive in return. ... and God will bless you!
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Phil Keaggy will be in concert at Washington Assembly this Saturday evening at 7:30 PM.
Tickets are still available. Inquire about purchase by calling 908 689 6727