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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