A LITTLE LEAVEN.
Jonah 1: 11-17
Know ye not that a little leaven leavereth the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 5:6
Leaven is the biblical word for yeast. Only a little is needed to be added to a whole lump of flour and it eventually takes over. In the same vein, one man’s offence can affect the whole congregation of innocent individuals. Take the case of Jonah here. It was he alone that disobeyed and was running away from God’s presence. Yet when the storm came, it affected other innocent lives. Until he was gotten rid of, the storm persisted and would have concerned them all.
Today, many have brought untoward storms upon their families and friends by the reason of personal disobedience and other atrocities. Many children are destitute because their parents died of self –inflicted diseases or sinful habits. Some got laid off from work or imprisoned for acts against their work ethics or breaking the law. They are not the only are suffering. The family suffers. Friends and neighbours who have to take up the unexpected and unsolicited responsibility are affected one way or the other. If only you know that others besides you will partake of the consequences of your actions or “mis-actions”, you will think twice before taking certain decisions.
Again, some are suffering today and many even face destruction not for what they did but for the misdeeds of others. Like Jonah’s companions, they are victims of other people’s storms! This is why you must choose your companions prayerfully. Watch who you travel with in the journey of life. Your companions may determine whether you get to your destination or not. How you get there is also largely dependent on your companies. May you not travel with people already penciled down for destruction.
In essence, today’s text teaches us two main lessons. One, you must be mindful of your actions and decisions because other innocent lives may be affected by the boomerang effect. Two, be mindful of who you company with – so that you don’t partake of other peoples’ suffering.
PRAYER: I shall not take decisions or engage in actions that will be detrimental to my family and friends. I shall not partake of other people’s punishment in Jesus’ Name.
