Consequences

This is one of those words that is not fun to describe.  I’ve faced consequences of bad decisions on more than one occasion.  Most of the time I’m pretty frustrated with the consequences. You see consequences are the result or effect of an action or condition. When I make bad choices, the consequences are almost always bad. Good choices usually lead to good consequences. This king of Tyre dude had really goofed things up and the Lord was speaking about the consequence of the kings pride an arrogance. Check this out…

11 The Lord spoke his word to me, saying:

12 “Human, sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre.

Say to him: ‘This is what the Lord God says:

  You were an example of what was perfect,


 full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

13 You had a wonderful life,


    as if you were in Eden, the garden of God.


Every valuable gem was on you:
 

   ruby, topaz, and emerald,


    yellow quartz, onyx, and jasper,
 

   sapphire, turquoise, and chrysolite.


Your jewelry was made of gold.


    It was prepared on the day you were created.

15 Your life was right and good


    from the day you were created,


    until evil was found in you.

16 Because you traded with countries far away,


    you learned to be cruel,

 and you sinned.


So I threw you down in disgrace from the mountain of God.


    And the living creature who guarded you


    forced you out from among the gems that shined like fire.

17 You became too proud


    because of your beauty.


You ruined your wisdom


    because of your greatness.


I threw you down to the ground.


    Your example taught a lesson to other kings.

18 You dishonored your places of worship

through your many sins and dishonest trade.

19 All the nations who knew you


    are shocked about you.


Your punishment was so terrible,


    and you are gone forever.’” (Ezekiel28:11-13; 15-18a; 19 NCV)

The consequences from the Lord should come as no surprise. He speaks clearly in His Word regarding our obedience and trust. He really does give direction to our life which provides rewarding consequences.  It’s when we try to go our own way that the wheels come off the wagon.

There have been times in my own life that I want what I want regardless of what God is calling me to do. It is those times that really frustrate Him and cause negative consequences on me. I much learn to be patient as I figure out the next move that will come from Him.

Walking in the way of the Lord can bring great honor and respect even if the road is hard.  Walking in His way my bring criticism and jeers from people I know and love. My life here on earth is to be lived for His Honor and His Glory – everything and everyone else fall in line behind that.  I’ve found that when I keep things in the property order with God being first – my marriage is better; I’m a better parent, I’m a better friend, I’m a better REALTOR, I am a better manager when I’m being managed by His Spirit! Positive consequences are possible for me when I follow the Lord with determination and reckless abandon.

Pressing On!

Dwayne