By Emily Clawson

The other day, as my husband and I were leaving the airport, we went through the cash line to pay for our thirty minutes of parking. The attendant, acting quite suspicious, charged us an extra dollar. We could have argued, but we chose to pay the additional dollar and move on. Still, it nagged at my husband. It wasn’t about the money—it was the thought that someone could be so blatantly dishonest. That bothered him, as it often bothers all of us.

In this world, we frequently encounter dishonesty, especially when it comes to money. How can we handle these moments without getting stuck in frustration, anger, or bitterness? The Law of Cause and Effect, as described in Leslie Householder’s Hidden Treasures: Heaven’s Astonishing Help With Your Money Matters, offers us a powerful tool to face challenges like this—with peace and strength.

Most of us will at some point experience being taken advantage of. And yet, what a lonely life it would be if we closed ourselves off from everyone just to protect ourselves. Sometimes, what is lost—whether money, a treasured belonging, or respect for our time—can feel irreplaceable or deeply painful. Other times, as with our airport experience, it’s not the loss itself but the betrayal that cuts the deepest. Sometimes, that betrayal comes from family or friends—the hardest kind of all. The Law of Cause and Effect can help us navigate any of these situations.

This law, connected to the Golden Rule, teaches that what you put out into the world is what will come back to you. It’s a simple concept, one we’ve known since childhood, fighting over playground swings or building blocks:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Most of us agree this is how we should live, but we rarely take it beyond that. The flip side is just as true: what is done to you will be returned upon the giver. This means we have the chance both to give and to receive. When someone serves you selflessly, the universe responds by returning that favor. When someone hurts you, the same holds true.

Let me illustrate with my airport story.

Somewhere out there is the attendant who charged me an extra dollar. I imagine he tacks on an extra dollar to every ticket during his shift. Maybe he thinks, “One hundred extra dollars—great!” What he doesn’t realize is that something will arise that will require that $100. Perhaps unexpected car repairs, medical bills, or some other need. We often don’t see these connections until we start looking for them. But whatever form it takes, what he put out will come back to him.

On my end, I found a five-dollar bill in my pants pocket while doing laundry—a small way that dollar has quickly found its way back to me, with a little extra.

This example isn’t about vengeance. It’s about illustrating the Law of Cause and Effect in action. Imagine the power you can wield when you truly understand this law—and flip it to work for you.

What do you want? What do you need? Now you know how to receive it.

Need money? Give money without expecting anything back. Don’t just buy something—even if it’s for a fundraiser. Donate it. Ideally, do it anonymously. Even if it’s just loose change from your car or old furniture, give what you can. Watch how the universe multiplies and returns your gift.

Need new furniture? Give away the old. Don’t sell it in a yard sale—give it to someone who truly needs it. Watch how your generosity comes back to you and grows.

You’ll be amazed how the Law of Cause and Effect, alongside the other Laws of Thought, can bless your life when you use it consciously. Be mindful of what you put out into the world. You will receive the same in return.