By David Phillips
Looking Ahead
I wish I could say that I’ve always done that, always made sure of what I was getting into. Truth is, I haven’t always done that. I’ve barreled ahead blindly into more than one decision in my life, and then had to deal with the bumps and bruises that resulted from them, often missing out totally on whatever it was that I was in such pursuit of. I am thankful to be able to say that, as I’ve gotten older and more thoughtful (signs of maturity, I hope), I tend to approach choices and decisions a little more carefully now, even carrying along a handful of “tools” to help bring about a more pleasing result. What’s that old saying, Most good judgment comes from experience and most experience comes from bad judgment.” Hopefully, we are all good learners.
Life is that way, and especially in regard to conduct and life-choices. I sincerely believe we would all benefit from looking ahead of what we are about to do, and take note of what it potentially may turn into or where it may lead. But I have also observed several reasons why some folks never seem to do so.
- The deceptive surface view. David expressed somewhat of this in Psalm 73:3,4 – For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. David admits to being misled by the false impression that there was no downside to doing evil. Then in verse 17, he says until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Basically David says, at first glance, you don’t get the full picture, but eventually, sin crashes. …You make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment…(18-19) Sin usually looks good on the surface, but never in the end.
- Temporary success. Sometimes crime does pay, for a few days, or a month or two. Alcohol calms you down, until in the morning. Substance abuse gives relief, for a few hours, then the pain starts over again. Sin is that way, it often pleases – for a season, Hebrews 11:25. But it’s usually a very short season.
- The bulletproof syndrome. If you’re saying, it will never catch me… just wait. In Numbers 32:23, Moses warned the Israelites, …be sure your sin will find you out. The Bible repeats that warning, in a number of different words, on different occasions, and it is still valid today. No one is exempt from God’s law of sowing and reaping, Galatians 6:7,8.
- The speed of justice. The perpetrator doesn’t always get caught and punished immediately. That fact reinforces the idea in some minds that they can get away with it. Note what the wise man said in Ecclesiastes 8:11 – Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Justice against sin may be comparatively slow, but it is sure.
Every choice, each decision has consequences. Some of the consequences for life-choices may be slow in developing, but rest assured, as the decision is made, they are on their way. Choose the good!