Natural Consequences
This morning I noticed that Debbie was sleeping in, which I thought was good. Then I discovered it was because she was sick, which is bad. She has been the energizer bunny for the past two years with so much on here plate from work, a move to Fort Collins and my extended illness and needs. I thought she was “sick proof.” So please remember Debbie in prayer and believe with us this will soon pass.
I’m glad that I brought my power wheelchair into the house a few days ago. I felt it would be better to have it out of the extreme temperatures, but it come in handy for my to get around the house and help take care of Debbie this morning. Outside of that we are doing well and continuing to look to the future and trust the Lord in what He has for us.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the Lord. You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you. So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick.” Proverbs 1:29-31
These verses at the end of Proverbs chapter 1 offer a stern warning. Wisdom is needed for a healthy and prosperous life. The opening verses of Proverbs promises the following: “…They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated…” Proverbs 1:3-5
I like that the “inexperience and the young” as well as the “wise and educated” are all included as benefactors was what the Proverbs have to offer. Those who are “wise” understand that learning is a life-long process. They continue to add to their knowledge and life experiences and apply that to there own life and use that to share with others as well.
As I was scanning the TV channels, I came across a rerun of the movie “Forrest Gump.” It just happened to be the early part of the movies where the young Forrest shared with Jenny the words of his Momma, “stupid is as stupid does.” “Stupid” to Solomon would be spurning wisdom and instruction. Having an open mind and heart to learn and a willingness to submit to the Lord is the key to a happy and healthy life. It isn’t a protection from life, it is a guide on “how to handle life.”
When someone resists and rebels, they find themselves exposed to the consequences of their own actions. When Solomon warns, “your own actions will make you sick”; that can be realized both physically and emotionally. The warning of Paul in the New Testament is “you reap, what you sow.” (Galatians 6:7) If you sow obedience and faith, you reap strength, wisdom and the Lord’s help. If you sow, rebellion and living by your own standards, you reap hardship and brokenness.
This is not judgment or punishment from the Lord. It is simply the natural consequences of the life that one chooses. I point out that much of the Book of Revelation is the Lord allowing the natural consequences of people’s choices, lifestyles and desires to come about. When the world in its actions and even words say, “we don’t want God in our affairs” the Lord allows them to realize the natural consequences of His presence removed from the earth.
The good news in all of this is that God is a God of mercy. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end…” (Lamentations 3:22) Remember “mercy” is when we don’t receive what we do deserve. An old hymn that speaks of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross says, “mercy there was great and grace was free….” We can escape the natural consequences of our own actions and lifestyle, by choosing the supernatural provision of a God who sent His son to die for us. Who suffered the natural consequences of our sin, in our place.
The wise heed warnings. The wise make the right choices. Act as one who chooses wisdom today, by submitting your life each day to the Lord.