At some point in life, everyone has made a decision about something they look back on and regret. Whether it was a major purchase, someone they dated, a career choice, an investment, or simply trying the volcano level hot sauce on their burrito, we learned there are consequences. Some may not have been so bad, while others are horrifically life altering. They obviously needed some more consideration before jumping into the pool and becoming another person who joins the club of fools whose last statement was, “Hey y’all, watch this!”
The way of the arrogant fool who rejects God’s wisdom is right in his own eyes, but a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15 AMP)
At the top of the list, as you may have guessed, is Adam and Eve. They were given one instruction. With multitudes of trees in the garden, and only one declared to be off limits. Do not eat the fruit of this tree. Sounds simple. What possibly could go wrong?
She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. (Genesis 3:6 NLT)
Enter sin and the breaking of the relationship between mankind and their Creator. And the beginning of death. And the change of every living being on the face of the earth. (I blame my inability to stay away from chips and salsa as a fallout of this. If you don’t want me to eat the chips before the guests arrive, then don’t put them out before they get here.)
The next candidates are Abram and Sarai. God tells them he is going to give them a son. He doesn’t say when, so after waiting twenty-four years they become a little impatient.
So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. (Genesis 16:2 NLT)
This is the grounds for men to note that being married to two women is not a good idea, no matter how much your fantasies tell you it would be magical. (Solomon definitely did not get the note about this issue. Talk about a man who just couldn’t say no.) The result of this was the creation of the nation of Islam. Want to talk about family conflict? Their arguments have been more volatile than who makes the best hummus. Family gatherings have never been the same since.
Our final candidate is one who just couldn’t look away. In this case, curiosity just didn’t kill the cat, it turned it into a pillar of salt. After being instructed to flee the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and to not look back, or there would be tragic consequences.
He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation. But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:25-26 NLT)
That’s right, Lot’s wife. I’m guessing the saltshaker was always full in Lot’s tent.
The sad thing is all these tragic incidents could have been avoided, but they failed to do one thing. They neglected to listen to God. Secondly, not only did then not listen, but they also did not consult God about their decision.
David is a great example on both sides of the coin on this. When he consulted with God about whether or not to go to battle, claiming his rights to the kingship over the nation, or how to deal with an oncoming famine, he was given the answer. And when he did so, he succeeded in all he did. When he chose to follow his own desires, however, he made foolish choices with consequences he and his family would suffer from.
Not only is it important for individuals to turn to God for guidance, but for nations also. Israel was held accountable for their failure to follow God’s ways. They rejected him as their leader, turned away and followed false gods, failure to let the land rest during the anointed times, which led to their downfall. Both the northern and southern kingdoms were led away to exile in foreign lands until they learned their lesson.
The surrounding nations were also held accountable for their actions too. The pronouncements against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, and Babylon revealed God’s displeasure with their actions and their defiance against Him. They too suffered consequences for ignoring God.
The psalmist warns of disregarding the Lord’s guidance.
The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others.
Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set.
The Lord is known for his justice.
The wicked are trapped by their own deeds.
The wicked will go down to the grave.
This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.
(Psalm 9:15-17 NLT)
And yet, God patiently waits to offer anyone who calls on him the guidance only he can provide.
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV)
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. (Proverbs 2:6-12 NLT)
Have you ever experienced the consequences of making a significant decision without seeking guidance or considering the consequences? Or do you rely solely on your own judgment? How about seeking guidance from the wisest counsel of all?
Reflections 