Consequences

2 Timothy 3:14-17 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of,

because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy

Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is

God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the

servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do

people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone

in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in heaven.

The dictionary definition of a consequence is the effect, result or outcome of something occurring earlier.

Living a perfect life has only happened once, so it’s safe to say that we have all suffered the

consequences of our behavior, and may still be. I know I am. Oh that I would have asked myself, “Is this

right in God’s eyes?” before saying or doing something that would still reverberate through my life. I don’t

say this in the context of not being forgiven, because I am. It’s the realization that things can’t unhappen

and we need to discern how to use it for God’s glory.

How can we end up with such consequences? By serving the world instead of God. We might be hobbled

or blinded by a bad habit, poor entertainment choices, idol worship (an idol isn’t always a graven image),

covetousness, or the desire for immediate gratification. In short, going against God’s will consciously or

through ignorance. Both King David and Moses killed someone, which could not be undone, but they

were forgiven and their lives were still lived for the glory of God. The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh

that he asked God to remove several times, but God did not. We don’t know what it was, whether

something he had since birth, or what might have happened during his life, but God did not take it away.

Neither are we always granted an earthly healing or re-set.

This does not mean that surrendering our sins to Jesus is in vain. Absolutely not. Certainly God forgives

us when we confess our sins to Him and receive grace (forgiveness) and mercy (redemption), and there

remains a no fishing sign in the ocean where He has dumped our sins. But we are currently in a sinful,

painful world where physical, earthly consequences can remain, which we can use to glorify God and be

the shining light on the hill to others. Through prayer, the Word and trust in Jesus, allow consequences

not only be a lesson to us, but also a way to let His spirit shine through us and open the eyes of people

who might think they are unforgivable. Let them see the love and forgiveness of Jesus through you. Trust

Him to show you where and how He wants to use your consequences.

Janet Schultz