25 February | Youth
«Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.» Matthew 7:12
The boomerang is a simple artifact that defies the laws of physics and still attracts the attention of people of all ages. Made of plastic or wood, it is considered the first flying object designed by humans and was created millennia ago. Some attribute its origin to the ancient natives of Australia, the so-called aboriginal peoples.
Initially used for hunting, the boomerang goes beyond being a survival tool. It has become a sport, and there are championships all over the world. The modalities include: fast catch, accuracy, trick catch and, of course, the longest distance reached. The most interesting aspect of correctly throwing the boomerang, however, is the fact that it returns to the thrower’s hand. It doesn’t matter if it reaches a distance of 126 meters, as Brazilian record holder Robson Oliveira achieved, the boomerang will return to its origin. This serves as an illustration of a fundamental principle of life: every action generates a reaction.
Or, in other words, what goes around, somehow comes around! It is not necessary to delve into Newton’s Third Law to discover that our attitudes and even our words produce great effects, both for good and for evil. The “bread” we throw into the waters of existence sooner or later will return to our hands, just like a boomerang (Eccl. 12:1). The apostle Paul used another metaphor to describe this experience. He said that “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7). In Heaven’s law, cause and effect is a serious matter.
Jesus made it very clear what the ethics of citizens of God’s kingdom should be like: “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Mt. 7:12). Do you want smiles? Smile. Do you want hugs? So hug! Do you want to be loved? Then love! Jesus gives us the opportunity to begin a cycle of blessings that will, in some way, return to us.
Every day we throw “boomerangs” at school, at church, on the internet or in our own homes.
What kind of impact have your words and actions had on the lives of others? Spread good things, and you will reap peace.