Thursday, May 31, 2007

Choices Have Consequences

Deuteronomy 4.7-8: What other nations is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nations is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today.

Two people come immediately to mind as I read these verses in Deuteronomy. The first is a young man who was very confident in his Christian belief but when interesting, friendly and persuasive Mormons came calling, he rejected Scripture and was baptized a Mormon. He would come to visit and try to persuade me "really, Mormonism is like Christianity in so many ways." Ah, no. The other is a young woman who wanted to talk about her walk with Christ but then admitted that while her walk was not what it once was, she is doing fine. I left it up to her to call me and pray that she will.

Choices have consequences. That is one lesson God is teaching the people of Israel as they are about to enter the promised land under the direction of Joshua. What other god answers like the God of the Bible? Moses would go on to write that they are not to worship other gods which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. God point Moses - not a wise decision to follow stone gods. What will happen when this young woman calls to the world when she is 70 years old? Will the world answer with kindness?

The other lesson is in verse 8: God's ways are righteous and kind - even though the go contrary to the world. Again, Moses will go on to write that this lawgiver is merciful and he will not abandon or destroy you. Choices have consequences. Following God in the promised land brings blessing and life.

Choices have consequences. What happens when a young person leaves God's ways and embraces god-less life patterns? What happens when families begin to neglect spiritual disciplines and priorities? Choices lead to certain consequences. Who will you call on when life takes a turn? Do the gods of the age have answers that last beyond this life? Look at the gods you are serving and then watch others who serve the same gods - do they hear or answer or provide life as the years pass? What happens when beauty fades or when wealth decreases? Will your doctor provide ageless beauty or will your bank or boss call you up and grant you money?

I look at certain choices which bring immediate pleasure but long term pain. Our text tells us God not only brings blessing but it is long term blessing. Consider your choices - they have consequences.