Consequences

My brother Ross and I were talking recently and he told me of some advice he had given and the advice was ignored.  As we talked, it occurred to me that the advice Ross gave was based on the outcome of this person’s actions … the consequences.  Have you ever thought about the fact that consequences are the basis for all wisdom? 

Here’s some advice a father (David?) gave his son (Solomon?) as found in Proverbs:

When I was a son to my father, tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, then he taught me and said to me,

“Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live; acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Don’t forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

Don’t forsake her, and she’ll guard you;

Love her, and she’ll watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; & with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Prize her, and she’ll exalt you; she’ll honor you if you embrace her.

She’ll place on your head a garland of grace;

She’ll present you with a crown of beauty.”       Proverbs 4:3-9

Do you see that here the father is telling his son why he should seek wisdom?  It’s about the consequences – so his son will receive honor, grace, and protection.  Consequences

We don’t usually like thinking about the consequences of our actions.  We usually choose the short-term benefit over the long-term one.  That’s why many of us over-eat and don’t exercise … consequence = weak and fat.  It’s why we don’t have savings accounts that grow, but rather have increasing debt … consequence = burden to others.  And sadly, it’s why we sin … consequence = loss of our soul or that of others. 

The video here is the result of someone who didn't consider the consequences:     

If you find that unsettling, consider the eternal consequences when we fail spiritually.  Or as Jesus asked: “What will a man give in exchange for his soul”? 

Although there are unintended consequences, most of the time we know the consequences of our actions, if we will stop and think about it.  Sadly, we make choices based on what’s “OK technically” or what’s “fun” or what gives us some satisfaction or frees us from discomfort, fear or guilt. (selfishness)

Sometimes we even make choices intended to be ‘obedient’ to God – but we don’t consider the consequences, and so hurt others.  This was a theme of problems between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day.  He called them “blind guides,” and the consequences of bad leadership is that not only is the shepherd doomed, but the sheep under his care are also jeopardized. 

 “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?  Luke 6:39

Consider the failure of the watchman in Ezekiel 33 or that of the shepherds in Ezekiel 34, for example. 

Disciples of Jesus who want to be like him must remember that the consequences of our actions and speech can have eternal results for more than just ourselves!

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.  For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.  James 3:1-2

Consider consequences as you make your resolutions this year.  Maybe you should resolve to act with love from faith, even when it means you will suffer in the short term. 

Wisdom happens when we behave and speak so as to produce fruit for the kingdom.  We are foolish when we do that which causes spiritual harm to others. 

Consider the consequences before you act or speak – it’s the wise thing to do

The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.  He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.  Proverbs 5:22-23

“wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” - Jesus  

Luke 7:35