The Compounding Effect

There are a couple of versions of statements about compound interest attributed to the renowned physicist Albert Einstein (that may or may not be factual):

the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
and
“mankind’s greatest invention”

However, I still remember my first encounter with this incremental, somewhat mysterious, multiplying power. As a young boy I had a savings account at American Federal Savings and Loan. Whenever I had a deposit to make, Dad would take me to their office downtown where I would present my money and passbook to the teller. After putting my passbook into a huge machine, punching a bunch of keys, and listening to the black monstrosity whir and clank, the teller returned my passbook with two new, neatly printed lines: one marked “Deposit” and one marked “Interest.”

This was one of my earliest lessons that wise choices – for example, putting money in an interest-bearing account – can result in growth/improvement. As I matured, I realized that good decisions built on top of other wise choices could also have a multiplying or compounding effect.

In nature photography, I keep my camera body and lenses in good working order. I make sure the legs on my tripod are tightened to the correct tension: not too tight and not too loose. I try to stay in shape so I can lug 20-plus pounds of gear up and down trails. Then I stay aware of the weather around me. These fundamental “choices” bear “interest” by enabling me to make the most of photographic opportunities I find when I do go out.

&spspspsp;&spspspsps;

Compounding also has a place in the life of faith. Simon Peter alluded to this in his second letter to the church at large, exhorting believers to continue to grow in their faith:

and to brotherly kindness, love.

and to godliness, brotherly kindness;

and to perseverance, godliness;

and to self-control, perseverance;

and to knowledge, self-control;

and to goodness, knowledge;

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness;

– 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

But there is another part of this effect that I need to be aware of. Compounding also works in reverse – for unwise and bad choices. And the Bible speaks about this as it relates a period in King David’s life:

You have added to shirking leadership lust;

and to lust, adultery;

and to adultery, causing drunkenness;

and to causing drunkenness, conspiracy;

and to conspiracy, murder.

– 2 Samuel 11:1-24 (Stylized summary)

My life is built on choices and decisions. Some of these are true “forks in the road:” large and binary. Most of my decisions, however, are relatively small, usually with multiple alternatives. So, how can I know the difference between a wise choice and an unwise one? I’ve found that Paul’s advice to the believers in the church at Philippi to be helpful:

and worthy of praise.

Think about things that are excellent

and admirable.

and lovely,

and pure,

and right,

and honorable,

Fix your thoughts on what is true,

– Philippians 4:8 (New Living Translation)