Very few people think of consequences positively. Maybe the old radio / TV show, Truth or Consequences, is partly responsible for our negative perception of consequences. The premise of the show was: “Tell the truth or suffer the consequences”. Hence, consequences were always “bad”, and it is true that they often are.

   On the other hand, consequences can be good. Consequences result from actions. For example, bad eating habits, we are told, can result in poor health. Good food and exercise is more likely to have a positive impact on our general physical condition. We should be thankful that modern nutrition enables us to have the information needed to help us make choices which may improve our overall health.

   But, as we all know, there is no guarantee that by eating right and exercising regularly we will escape the ravages of cancer or some other terrible disease. Also, no diet or exercise regime will enable any of us to bypass death. “Everyone must die once…” (Hebrews 9:27). So, is death good or bad? That depends on the choices we make while we are still alive. Just like the old radio and TV show, we need to consider the consequences in the light of the truth about our soul and our relationship to God.

   Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) Choosing to live in and believe in Jesus (Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life — John 14:6) is the only way to “never die” (spiritually), i.e. be separated from God. But the action Jesus describes here is much more than a mere thought process. Simply thinking about a change in our diet or exercise routine will not produce the desired results. In the same way, the belief that results in the salvation of our soul is belief that requires action. 

   But the actions cannot be based on our own ideas (Jeremiah 10:23). And, unlike diets, we cannot get by with cheating or modifying the plan. People who go beyond the teaching of Christ are separated from God and Jesus (2 John 9); i.e. they are dead  (spiritually). This is why the life that is in the Son (1 John 5:11) is inextricably connected to our obedience to Him in whom Truth resides (Ephesians 4:21) and who is also the source of our eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9).

   Obedience coupled with Divine mercy produces guaranteed results — life. Can we be sure? Absolutely! Jesus’ victory over death assures us of God’s power to deliver us from spiritual death (Hebrews 2:14). His promises never fail or disappoint. Although many of life’s choices end in disappointment, living in and believing in Jesus produces a result that no one will ever regret — eternal life.

Be Thankful for this Consequence!

KD