Consequences

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 2:11 (NLT)

Can you imagine a society where there are no consequences for doing evil things? Sure, we might feel good about not having to worry about getting speeding tickets. But, how about those that now are free to run red lights? Maybe we feel good that we wouldn’t have to worry about paying taxes. But, what about the fact that there would be no armed forces to protect our lives from those wishing us harm? Then, we ramp things up a bit. What if there were no consequences for rape or murder? People could do anything they wanted to you, including killing you, with no consequences. No trial. No sentencing. No jail time. It would be hell on earth. Having wise laws about how society is supposed to function is important. Having consequences for those that refuse to adhere to that wisdom is also important. Consequences remind us of who we are supposed to be.

The unfortunate reality is that we agree with the first part – there should be laws – but complain about the second part. We don’t like the consequences.

In our faith life, we often times behave this way toward God. His laws, of course, are wise and just because He is perfect and the source of wisdom. Therefore, His laws are perfectly wise. Yet, we’re not. So, often times we break one of the laws which God has laid down to help protect us. When we do it, often times Satan provides a bit of a rush because we’re doing something we know we shouldn’t do. Of course, this rush wears off, and then we must face the consequences of what we’ve done. Sometimes it’s legal troubles here on earth. But, most often, it’s a ding in our relationship with God and others.

It is in these moments which we understand what our faith is built upon. For those who have a strong (or growing) relationship with Jesus, we repent, we ask for forgiveness. We screwed up. We own it. Others blame God. We cry out “Why didn’t He prevent me from doing that?” or “That rule is stupid!” rather than taking ownership of our own dumb decision. It’s not His fault. It’s ours. Those consequences are a result of our sin. We need to own it.

So, praise God for His wisdom, even if you don’t fully understand it. Pray that He will give you His strength to follow it. When you accept His way of life, as King Solomon says, “Wise choices will watch over you.” In other words, we don’t have to worry about consequences.

To listen to this Daily Dose episode, go the the Podcasts Page and click on your favorite podcast platform.