Sometimes things are not what they appear and our actions, intended to be beneficial, end up creating more problems than we could ever have imagined. Introducing one species to control another without thinking of the ecological balance is just one example of an unintended consequence.
PFAS chemicals are another, the acronym for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are used in products such as Teflon and firefighting foam. The problem is they do not break down and remain in the environment, even showing up in people’s blood as a result of presence in drinking water and food. They have been linked to liver damage and third disease as well.
Often our own personal actions have unintended consequences, even when we think we are helping someone else. Nothing has just one consequence. Someone once wrote that life is like playing a piano with oven mitts; you intend to hit one key but cross over to many others. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t act; it means we just need to consider how we act and the consequences of our actions.
Prayer for the Day
Lord, you know we mean to do well and to help others,
So help us think about what it is we do and why;
In this world nothing has a straight line from cause to effect,
But everything seems such a jumble at times.
Grant us wisdom and understanding so our actions
Have consequences only as intended.
In the name of the One who is our guide,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Without reflection, we go blindly on our way creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything.
- Margaret J. Wheatley, American writer, teacher, organizer
The point is, the "best" technology or idea doesn't always prevail. Sometimes chance and the law of unintended consequences win out.
- Eric Weiner, writer, from The Geography of Genius
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
And my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9