“Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words…They said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.’ And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.”Genesis 11:1-3

The people who settled in Babel gained fame after building a city and tower. But their first significant decision was determining to “make bricks.” Only then did they realize that this discovery gave them new abilities. Bricks enabled them to erect buildings on a scale that previously had seemed impossible. This illustrates how events can develop in our lives. We may not have clarity about what will happen next, but as we take each step, new possibilities emerge. And, in ways we might not anticipate, one thing leads to another. This applies to everything in our lives, even sin. This is the nature of God’s warning to Cain after he became “very angry.” The Lord warned that sin was “crouching at the door”—meaning that Cain’s anger would have consequences he might not have intended (Genesis 4:1-7). While this principle is true in a negative way, it also is true positively. Small steps often can lead to great discoveries and spiritual breakthroughs. Just as negative steps can deepen our immaturity, positive steps can lead us to greater maturity. In fact, in one way or another, our actions always will have consequences. Once we start walking in a path, we can find it harder and harder to change. Small habits become ingrained and hard to break. Little sins develop into bigger sins. Also, we are influenced by the people with whom we associate. As Paul warned, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Brothers & Sisters, what habit patterns dominate your life? Remember that you will Reap what you Sow. Seek to live according to God’s Word. Invest your time, talent, and treasure in His Kingdom. Apply His principles, step by step, day by day.