The Law of Consequence

“Do not be deceived…A man reaps what he sows.” Galations 6:7 NIV




     “Your child says, “I didn’t meant to break the window.” You reply, “But you threw the rock that broke it, right? So you will have to pay for the repairing it.” And when your child pays, he or she learns a priniciple that could save them costlier consequences down the road. God, who is a loving heavenly Father, invented the law of consequence–for our benefit. Consider this: 1. Your decisions determine the kind of harvest you reap. Adam and Eve got their choice. “A man reaps what he sows.” You’re not the pawn of a punitive god, malevolent cosmic force, the devil, or luck. You have been given the power to choose right or wrong. 2. Your decisions impact others. Hurting them may have not been your intention, but often it’s collateral damage you can’t avoid. After conquering Jericho, Achan stole some of the spoils, causing Israel’s defeat at Ai. Later Joshua challenged him, saying, “Why have you brought this trouble on us?” (Joshua 7:25 NIV). Before you act, you need to consider who will get hurt by the fallout from your decision. Will it be your children, spouse, friends, church, etc.? 3. Forgiveness may not cancel the consequences of your decision. God hears your confession, freely forgives you and expunges your record, but the harvest law may still remain in effect. “David confessed….’I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you…(but) your chld will die.” (2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT). So if you don’t want to reap, don’t sow.” –Bob Gass
     A man and his wife had a terrible fight one day. The man was so enraged, he stormed from the house and got into his car to speed away. As he reversed his car, he heard and felt a thud. He was so angry he did not stop to see what it was, but continued to back up. He then heard a second thud and then a potential nightmare unfolded before his eyes. His young son had left his tricycle in the driveway and, just seconds before, had gotten off to play with another toy nearby. The father had no idea the child was even outside. While the couple was fighting, the young boy had wandered out of the house and was playing behind the vehicle. This man, in his uncontrollable rage, had backed over the tricycle! Thank God the child was not on it, but what if he had been? Would this father be sorry? Oh, yes! Would God be willing to forgive something so horrible? Most certainly! But with all the regret, sorrow, and all the apologies this man could make, it would not have brought his son back. It would have been something he would have had to live with the rest of his life. Anger handled in a wrong manner can set the “Law of Consequence” in motion and then nothing can be done to stop it.
     Anger is a natural part of our emotional makeup. It shows us someone is going too far and violating our personal lives and boundaries that are put in place for our emotional health. We all experience anger at some point. Anger is not a sin unless you keep it and nurse it, or if you get out of control with it!
     Learn from the mistakes of others what anger can cost and do not make those mistakes yourself. It will save you from possible eternal regret later! No wonder the Bible tells us that anger lays in the heart of fools. It makes you do foolish things, if you allow it to have full reign and those things cannot always be done away with, with a simple apology!
     Obedience is a choice, but it pays high dividends! Do what God says, my dear reader, and peace will guard and sustain you!
     Thank you for dropping by! I hope you come back soon!