The Snowball Effect

[398 words]

Much of the news this week concerned the snow storm affecting the northeastern section of the USA. Though it was responsible for approximately two feet of snow in some areas, it did not reach the extreme levels that were predicted and anticipated. I am thankful that it did not result in widespread harm to the people affected by it.

That being said, the predictions got me to thinking about the potential of snow–for good as well as bad. When the snow is falling and shimmering in the light, whether day or night, it can be beautiful. As it is heaped up in piles it resembles a lovely blanket. When children laugh and play in it and roll it up into small, loose snowballs to hurl at each other, it brings joy to many. And of course, when rolled and shaped into proportionately formed balls, the snowman remains as a tribute to the “craftsman” for several days, depending upon the temperature and the amount of sunlight.

These tiny flakes do something together which they cannot do individually. They are combined to bring to pass various good effects. The unity and cohesion are not only effective, but as the snow increases, the momentum builds the resulting effect. If a snowball is gathered together and rolled on the ground and shaped, the size and momentum of the snowball increases.

However, that same snow can have devastating consequences. Snow piled on a roof for days can bring about the collapse of the roof because of the accumulated weight. Hand-shaped snowballs can be compacted and built into “missiles” that can bring the heart-breaking effects of eye damage or other head injuries. Further, an avalanche, consisting of thousands of pounds of snow can hurdle down mountains, destroying property in its path and burying people alive.

So, clearly the cumulative properties of snow are utilized by its surrounding circumstances. When snow falls in an open meadow, or is shaped for positive purposes, the effect is good. When people proclaim the gospel and go about doing good deeds, the “snowball effect” brings about positive results (Acts 2:41,47; 3:4; 5:14,-16).

But the opposite is also true. When unity and accumulation are combined in the force of an avalanche, destruction follows. When the forces of evil combine and go unchecked for long periods of time, destruction follows (Judges 17:21:25; 18:11,12).

“You shall not fall in with many to do evil” (Exodus 23:2a, ESV).