Truth or Consequences

“It’s not a mistake if you say it’s not a mistake.” Although I was in the middle of watching a tutorial on quilting when the instructor made this comment, my mind immediately took a leap in an entirely different direction than quilting. Pausing the video, I wrote down what she said and then, continued learning about not taking my craft of quilting too seriously, and thus enjoying doing something I love.

This morning I return to the handwritten quotation and ponder how it reflects the broader philosophy of the 21st century culture. I recently told a friend that if I did not believe in God and that Jesus died for my sins, I would live a very different lifestyle. Just like before I knew Jesus as my loving Savior, my personal choices would be more self-focused and reckless. This is not to suggest that now I live a perfect life—far from it! However, after reading God’s Word for many years, the idea of deliberately choosing a life in conflict with what God tells me is not in my best interest or that of others breaks my heart, because I know it would break God’s heart. When the Holy Spirit convicts me by bringing my sins to my awareness, thus pricking my conscience, then to brush off my new awareness as it’s okay because people aren’t going to care what I do, smacks the very face of my Father Who says He cares. Choices have consequences!

We often focus on Scripture’s warning about the consequences of sin and fail to acknowledge God’s tender grace and mercies that precede His warnings. The Bible verse above is from 1 John 1:10, but let us look at verse 9… “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (NKJV).

So, if God’s Word says our actions are a mistake, a misstep, or a sin, then to say it is not, is to call God “a liar.”

Loving and patient Father, never let it be! Continue to call me into account when my actions and thoughts conflict with Your desires. Regardless of this fallen culture, guide me into all truth and repentance. Thank You for Jesus and the cross He bore on my behalf, “The author and finisher of our faith.” Amen.  (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).