The Consequences of Decisions

Consequences

Our world desires fame, fortune, success, power, and the like, but is it worth it?  Does achieving the desires of the world bring with it peace, joy, contentment, and happiness?  What other options are there as we navigate life on this earth?

One way to navigate life is by the world's standards and philosophies.  The world teaches that there are multiple truths: his truth, her truth, your truth, my truth, etc.  The world also teaches that a universal standard of right and wrong doesn't exist because what is considered right is relative to each individual.  Sadly, this is the choice most people make.  They wrongly believe that true freedom is defining for yourself what is right and true. 

As a result, many people in Hollywood's entertainment industry have sold their souls to the devil in exchange for these worldly desires of the flesh.  Just Google it, and you will find videos of these people admitting to doing this and giving credit to Satan.  They honestly believe they have done the right thing.  The Bible also tells us that God will close the hearts of those who seek evil, giving them over to a rapport bait mind so they will be unable to hear or see His truth, which will possibly allow them to receive the gift of eternal life.  The Bible says that God can forgive the sin of blaspheming Jesus, but the blasphemyof the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven. 

The opposing view of the world's view on navigating life is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who teaches that there is only one truth and one right.  It teaches that only one God, Creator, and Savior brings order to a world filled to the brim with chaos and confusion.  It also teaches of an eternal life after this one, an inheritance, and a reward.  At its core, it teaches us to love others before ourselves, to seek what is good for others above our desires, and to give and serve others rather than to be served.  As one might expect, this view is the least chosen path. 

As people, we have ditched the idea of delayed gratification for immediacy.  We have ditched moderation and preservation for entitlement and first come, first serve.  We have ditched the Golden Rule, for I'll do it to you first.

In the Bible, it says the Pharisees were trying to accuse Jesus' manifest power to cast out evil spirits to be of the devil.  Then Jesus explains that a house divided against itself will fall, and any person, nation, or people divided against itself will surely perish.

I read a book written by Adrian Rogers.  In it, he tells the story of a young man who claimed to be an atheist who came to see him seeking help for his suicidal wife.  After probing questions, he asked if he was an honest atheist .  Mr. Rogers wanted to know if he was genuinely interested in and wanted to know the truth about God's existence or if he had made up his mind.  The man stated he was always interested in the truth and viewed himself upright.  Then Mr. Rogers instructed him to go home and read the book of John in the Bible and return once he had read it.  That changed his life forever and saved his wife; he is now a successful church minister. 

If one reads the Bible, he will also find warnings about the evils of falling into the temptations of lust, pride, and power.  God's word states that money is the root of all kinds of evil.  The Bible tells the story of a wealthy man who asked Jesus how he could enter heaven.  Jesus admonished him to obey the law given by inspiration to Moses; we know it as the Ten Commandments.  The young man went through each commandment, stating he obeyed each one and asked what was left.  Then Jesus instructed him to sell and give away all his possessions to those who were needy and follow Him.  Sadly, the man only lowered his head and walked away because he was wealthy.

The Bible also teaches of man's inherited sinful nature, stating if left to himself,man will reap only destruction.  Because of this sinful nature, man needs a helper, an advocate, or someone who can guide him on the right path.  So, God sent man a Savior, his son in the flesh, born to a virgin woman.  But the people did not recognize the Savior,  so they beat him and hung him on the cross to die a sinner's death.  But after three days, he rose from death to life, leaving the tomb empty.  He showed himself in the flesh to his disciples and explained to them that he would be ascending to heaven to sit at His Father's right hand, but he promised to send them an advocate  who would help and guide them on their journeys.  He explained that the advocate could only tell them what He said.  The advocate is the Holy Spirit of God, and He is available to all who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the book of Genesis, you will find the famous story of Noah and the Ark. Let's imagine and take ourselves there momentarily.  First, look at the people outside of Noah's family; that could be you, me, your parents, everyone.  Imagine all of a sudden, someone began building a massive boat.  When someone asked the builder why he was building such a large boat, he said God instructed him to build a vessel to save mankind and every animal because of a coming flood.  What would you think?  What would people do and say?  Can you imagine what the headlines on social media might say?  If we consider this story in context, we will learn that people during that day did not know what rain was, much less a flood, because it had never rained at that point in time.  They must have thought this man had lost his mind. 

Now, let's imagine this scene through Noah's eyes.  He knew the truth, but no one believed him.  Imagine the focus  he needed to remain on task and complete the construction.  Imagine what he might have felt as he was being laughed at.  And think about his family members who obediently supported and helped him with this monumental task.  It would have been a tough place to be in and persist.

Now, let's turn our attention back to the people as water began falling from the sky and rising from the ground.  Do you suppose they had that AHA moment?  The Bible says that Noah, his family, and animals entered the boat when God commanded.  Noah did everything God commanded when God commanded.  He didn't ever assume he knew what God would command and did it ahead of the command.  No, he patiently waited for God's command.  How many times have you finished someone's sentence?  How often have you moved to the next step, assuming you knew what it was, to get ahead or make yourself look good or better than another person?  Noah did not do those things.  Instead, Noah waited on God's command. 

Now, after Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark, God closed the door to the ark, not Noah.  Turn your attention back to the people who suddenly realized there may have been something to what that crazy man was saying and doing.  What do you think they did?  What would you have done in that AHA moment?  Would you stay put and hope for the best, or would you gather family and go to enter the ark?

Consider the timing of all of these events.  Noah did not complete the building of the ark in a week, a month, or even a year.  There was ample time for all people to understand, come to know the truth and respond, but they did not.  No one answered until the water began to fall from the sky and rise out of the ground.  By then, Noah, his family, and the animals were already in the ark behind the door God closed.  Have you ever put off doing what you know you should do because you believed you had time before you were to be held accountable?  Consider what you might have said to convince Noah to open the door to let you in.  "I'm sorry, I did not know; I believe you now.  Think about the children.  Please let me in.  I'm not a bad person.  No one knew what was going to happen.”  But the truth is, Noah warned and pleaded with them.  They had many opportunities to believe and help prepare for the coming day.

Imagine, the rain pours relentlessly, and the once bustling streets are now deserted. The massive wooden door of Noah’s ark stands tall, sealed shut by divine decree. Desperation etches the faces of those left outside—their clothes drenched, their eyes wide with fear.

A mother clutches her child, her voice hoarse from crying out, “Noah! Please, open the door! We’ll drown!” Her words blend with the collective wails of the crowd. An old man, bent with age, raises trembling hands toward the heavens. “God, have mercy! Spare us!”

But Noah remains steadfast within the ark, his family huddled close. He knows that this is not his decision—it’s God’s will. The water rises, swallowing homes, trees, and memories. The pleading intensifies, echoing off the ark’s timeworn wood.

And then, a final, desperate cry: “Noah, we repent! We’ll change our ways!” But the door remains closed, the gap between salvation and destruction unyielding.

As the rain continues, the people’s cries fade into the storm. The door remains shut, and the world outside slips into darkness. Only the rhythmic beat of rain on wood remains—a haunting reminder of choices made, and consequences faced.

Now imagine the helplessness and sadness Noah must have felt as he stood behind the door of the ark as the people cried out and yelled in remorse or as they cursed him because they believed he could save them.  There was nothing that Noah could have done in those moments.  Noah couldn't open the door to let them in because he wasn't the one who closed the door.  It was God who closed the door.  The Bible warns that what God opens, no one can close, and what God closes, no one can open.  I am sure that many of those who perished that day were no doubt friends and relatives of Noah.  The Bible teaches that a prophet is treated with honor everywhere except his own home.

I am sure most of you have heard the story about “The Drowning Man”.  People who came to help a man evacuate to save his life, but he refused and said that God would rescue him; eventually, he climbed on top of the roof of his house to escape the waters, men in a boat came by, then a rescue helicopter came to help him, and he refused all efforts of rescue to save his life fully believing God would save him.  When he died and stood before God, the man told God he waited on Him patiently, trusting he would rescue him.  Then God told him that He heard his cry for help and responded to his cries by sending people on foot, then by boat, and then by helicopter, but you didn't recognize me and the help I sent you.  What else could God have done to save the man's life?  More importantly, what else can God do to save your life?

It's fascinating how different perspectives shape our choices and beliefs. The world indeed offers various paths, each with its allure and promises. 

Pursuing fame, fortune, and power can be enticing, but it often leaves us wanting more.  The transient nature of these desires can lead to emptiness and a lack of true fulfillment.

On the other hand, the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides an alternative perspective that emphasizes eternal truths, selflessness, and love for others.  It teaches us to seek what is good for others above our own desires and to serve rather than be served.  While this path may be less traveled, it offers a more profound sense of purpose and lasting joy.
Our attachments to worldly possessions sometimes hinder us from fully embracing spiritual truths.  The pursuit of wealth can blind us to the greater riches found in a relationship with God.

As we navigate life, we must examine our hearts honestly, seeking the truth and being open to transformation.  Just as the young man in Adrian Rogers' story experienced a life-changing encounter with God's Word, we too can find answers and purpose when we seek with sincerity.

Ultimately, the choice between the world's standards and the Gospel's teachings lies within each individual.  May we all seek wisdom, discernment, and a heart open to the eternal truths that bring true fulfillment, purpose, and eternal life.

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