Consequences
Somehow, it never seems to fail, that we get caught doing things we should not be doing. Why people are so dumb to think they can get away with things is amazing. We watch the shows on TV about the dumb criminals. We hear of cheating spouses thinking they will get away with their tryst. While some may get away with some things, it is obvious that many do not get away with everything. As a result, their action is exposes and more than likely, they will be put to shame and/or punished for their offence. The Bible speaks of this by using the agricultural terms of sowing and reaping.
In the world of agriculture, this means the planting of the seeds, and the harvesting of the crop. The Bible does speak of the physical planting of seeds and the importance it plays in life. The Bible also uses this in a symbolic sense to show the results of our actions.
We may be able to hide our actions from others, but we learn that we can never hide them from God. The Bible tells us that every act will be made known. Every unrepented of action we do is recorded in heaven to be read on our judgment day.
In Galatians 6:7-8 we read: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life." When we seek to satisfy the flesh by fulfilling its lusts, we are sinning. The better way is to seek the spiritual matters and focus upon them. As we live we need to keep in mind that God is not going away, and each and every person is accountable to Him. In our world, it seems that accountability is limited. So many people are doing things and not being held to account. We see this in every realm of society. Government, business, schools and homes, and when people are getting away with things, chaos usually results. Usually when people have free reign and abuse their responsibility, others will demand accountability.
The Bible gives us many accounts of people who tried to do something in secret or for selfish gain, and were caught. Usually the punishment was severe. One example is in 2 Kings 5. Gehazi the servant of Elisha thought he could get rich because Elisha was offered a lot of money, and turned it down. Gehazi ran after the man and said that his master (Elisha) had changed his mind. Gehazi no more than walked into the door and Elisha confronted him, and the result was that Gehazi was struck with leprosy.
Every action has a consequence. We need to make sure that what we do is good, and in keeping with God's word.
By Carey Scott

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