Unintended Consequence

I have done things that seemed like a good idea at the time only to find out that my actions hurt others or even hurt myself. I can’t always see or predict the outcome of my actions, but I can be more cautious and discerning in what I say and what I do.

I’ve watched lawmakers and other leaders in government set out to fix one issue and create a more troubling issue. I do think the idea behind stimulus checks during the pandemic were a good idea, but the unintended consequences became a workforce that doesn’t want or need to go back to work.

I think Judas didn’t mean to get Jesus killed. I do think Judas was disillusioned with Jesus’ role as The Messiah. I think Judas must have been expecting an earthly kingdom instead of a heavenly one. Check this out….

³ When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ⁴ “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

⁵ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:3-5 NLT)

Once Judas rung the “betrayal bell”, it couldn’t be walked back. His betrayal fulfilled prophesy. I do wish that Judas could have repented like Peter. Peter betrayed Jesus by denying Him three times. When the rooster crowed Peter repented and was restored. Judas couldn’t see the way back to Jesus.  The consequences of sin can be absolutely life altering and devastating. I’ve seen marriages and careers destroyed because of unintended consequences.  There are times when I’m forgiven of my sin, but the consequences are still going to be paid.

I do pray that the Lord continues to provide insight into the depravity of sin and its destructive nature so that I can run from temptation.  I want to be careful to discern my decisions (big or small) and think through to what the unintended consequences could be.

Pressing On!

Dwayne