The Domino Effect

by Dr Tim Lewis

What do dominos have to do with life-changing decisions? More than you might think. However, choosing the first domino is crucial. If you base every decision on the Word of God, then one good decision will lead to the next; it's a domino effect. But bear in mind that the process also works in reverse. If a person refuses to make Bible-based decisions, it is a negative version of the domino effect - a chain reaction that leads from bad to worse. God has blessed you with the freedom of choice. If you are really writing your life story one day and one decision at a time, then you have the power to determine how your story ends. But everything hinges on tipping the first domino. Make sure it falls in the right direction.

Genres: Christian

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2015

Reviews

[Danielle. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The decisions you make today determine the person you will become tomorrow. You are writing your life story one day, and one decision, at a time. Your character and personality are the direct result and sum total of every decision you have ever made . . . Daily decisions are so important because they affect your character. In reality, whoever you are right now is most likely who you are going to be to an even greater degree later in life. If you don't like the implications of that painful reality, now is the time to start making better decisions" (pg. 17, 18).

A very applicable, self-examining book by brother Tim Lewis called The Domino Effect. Every decision made has a life altering consequence; we have the free will to choose whether or not we'll make our choices based on God's unchanging word, or the world's ever-changing standards. Here's what I took from this read: each unpromised day given is just another day closer to death; it's the reason for which God's mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22, 23). He is willing that we make better choices and decisions in this life for the eternal reward in the next. Wise words from my love, "We don't have to wait until New Years to start fresh when each day is filled with new mercies." Therefore, we have to decide TODAY that we want to get right with Christ and make better decisions according to His word.

Convicting book! It really made me think of the key decisions that I have made in life and compared it to who I am today. He is absolutely right: I am who I am today because of the choices I made in the past. I have come to the realization that I do not like who I am. I don't want people seeing me, I want them to see Christ and glorify Him. Therefore, I have to make godly decisions. I have to learn to put to death my earthly nature and put on Christ (Colossians 3:5-10, 12-14). I must decrease, and He must increase (John 3:30).

Brother Lewis breaks down each chapter on how to make better choices by:
- Marinating ourselves in God's word and making Bible-based decisions
- Be Christ-like in our behaviours--showing love, humility, compassion and forgiveness
- Making the Lord's kingdom/church our top priority
- Treating others the way we want to be treated
- Having a prayer saturated life
and many more.

This book was straight to the point, practical and is very challenging to apply this in my life.

[Keith Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Lewis has made the act of decision making a personal one. By looking at how we make decisions and sharing personal stories and anecdotes from others, he has humanized the impact of decision making in our Christian lives. I was privileged to present at church the lesson on Acting Like Christ. Going beyond just the WWJD, Lewis made me think about how important it is to think and act like Jesus. The book opened up wounds for me that need healing.

[Blake Stout · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Tim Lewis has some very valuable things to say in this book, his argument is weakened by a seemingly arbitrary structure and somewhat weak conclusions.

If you are trying to make big changes in your life, this book could offer you guidance towards Christian living, but it would not be my first recommendation.

[Chet Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the book for our young adult bible study at church. It had some good points of application with respect to making decision as a Christian. The chapters also promote discussion. I would recommend it for a bible class setting.

[Regina]

Not what I expected, but informative.