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Consequences


Do you remember what it was like to be five years old and have a sleepover? I have vague memories of
whispering in bed, hoping that mom wouldn't hear, and yet somehow she always did. It’s weird being on the other end now. Being an adult and hearing your five year old and her friend whispering together. Weird and pretty cool.

It was pretty cool too, until 2:45am, when those same sweet girls decided to wake me up to check if it was time to play yet. And again, over and over until 5:30am when they had woken up the baby and I finally gave up and said, “Yes, go play, but there will be a consequence for this.” At the time, they were so excited to get up and play that a consequence seemed like no big deal. But, a few hours later, when the rest of the house was awake and the girls realized that their “all-day-play date” was now canceled, the tears began to flow. And not just for them. Now their litter brothers couldn't have a play date either and neither could we Mama’s. Suddenly, with a cancelled play date and a looming nap time ahead, that consequence became very real!

Isn't that like us! Like our sin. In the moment, it seems like such a harmless idea. It seems like a little bit of gossip or a little bit of pride or some slight exaggeration is no big deal. Just like the girls, the consequence doesn't seem very real or frightening at the time. And as adults, a lot of our choices don’t have direct and forth coming consequences. Many things can be hidden, especially thoughts and attitudes, but here is the thing: Maybe we don’t have to look forward to a consequence, but rather look back.  Back to the perfect man, the sinless Savior, the only person who has never deserved a consequence, bearing the weight of that judgmental thought that I had five minutes ago - suffering agonizing pain for that catty thing that I said about a “friend”.


So often, it’s as easy as breathing to push aside conviction in my life; to ignore the still small voice cautioning me against opening my mouth. Here is my challenge, for myself and you too if this has been on your heart: When temptation comes, don’t think about whether or not anyone will find out, or if you’ll be caught or judged, or what the consequence to come may be. Instead, look back, and remember the consequence that has already occurred. Let’s not take it lightly! Let’s not throw that beautiful sacrifice away! 

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