Lifelong Consequences

Everyday we make decisions. Some are complicated and some are simple, but even small and seemingly insignificant decisions can have large and long-lasting consequences. Some decisions may not necessarily be wrong, but they might lead to a path of destruction.

David was faced with such a decision when his army went to war. It was traditional for the king to lead the army in battle, but David made the decision to stay in Jerusalem (II Sam. 11:1). His choice to stay was not necessarily wrong, but his decision led him down a path of destruction. Because he stayed in Jerusalem, David saw Bathsheba bathing, lusted after her and committed adultery with her. This whole situation could have been avoided if David had not remained in a city full of women whose husbands were out at war. The sin with Bathsheba resulted in many terrible consequences, including the murder of Uriah (II Sam. 11:6-25), the death of Bathsheba's baby (II Samuel 12:14), and a curse on David's family (II Samuel 12:7-12). In fulfillment of this curse, David's daughter was raped by his son Amnon (II Samuel 13:7-14), who was killed by another of David's sons, Absalom (II Samuel 13:23-29). After some time, Absalom gained power and overthrew David (II Samuel 15:13-14). Then Absalom died in battle, and David mourned his death. None of these terrible things would have occurred if David had only gone to battle rather than staying in Jerusalem. David's first choice was not wrong, but it was a step down a path of destruction.

Jesus told a parable with similar lessons (Matt. 7:24-27). The parable is about a foolish man who decided to build his house on sand rather than rock. This decision appears innocent, but it also led to destruction. No matter how tall, sturdy, or elaborate he made this house, it would not be able to withstand the forces of the flood. His decision to build the house on sand doomed the building.

Like David and the foolish man, you will face crucial decisions. It does not matter what stage you are in life; whether you are in Junior High, High School or even nearing retirement, you will have to make decisions that will profoundly impact your future. Even decisions that seem harmless should be carefully examined so that you may avoid destruction.

Friends mean a lot to young people, but choosing good friends is far more important than having friends because "bad company corrupts good morals (I Cor. 15:33)." Having good morals includes the ability to tell right from wrong. One has corrupted morals when they think that wrong things are actually right. If your friends are evil, then they will corrupt your good morals. After you graduate, you will most likely lose contact with your friends, but your morals will still be corrupted. The damage is done, but could have been avoided by carefully deciding with whom you will be friends.

It is during the teenage years that most people begin dating. This is a source of great joy, pain, and pressure. Dating is also a time when seemingly insignificant decisions will greatly affect your future. Whenever you go on dates, make sure that you always have something to do, and that you are always in supervised areas. It is when you have nothing to do that evil can happen. The widows in I Timothy 5:13 became idle, which led them into sin. Having no particular plans can easily lead to bad things, as can a lack of supervision. Some argue that as devoted Christians they can overcome any temptation as I Corinthians 10:13 clearly teaches, but the next verse as well as II Timothy 2:22 reveal that the method of overcoming temptation is fleeing from it. When Joseph was in a compromising position with Potiphar's wife, he knew that running was the best way to keep himself pure (Gen. 39:7-12). If your date takes you, or plans to take you, to a secluded place, that is the time to run, even if it embarrasses you or upsets your date. It is in dark and in secret that evil is done (Eph. 5:11-12), therefore do not let yourself be in dark, secluded places with your date. Not having plans on a date and not being supervised is not necessarily a sin, however the decision could be very costly. You may discover that you cannot control your passions, and before you know it, you can be enslaved by your pleasures and spend your life fighting to overcome what could have been avoided by making one simple decision.

So much more could be said on this subject, but the conclusion is simple; carefully consider the consequences of each decision you make. Your choice may have life-long consequences.