Where did we ever get the notion that wealth will solve our problems? What determines the choice we will make? In the same chapter, Paul emphasizes that God does not take lightly any attempts to mock Him or go against His plan and purpose. However, despite their statement of commitment to the Lord, they later chose to do exactly what they said they would not do (See also Judges 1-2:15). She is a featured contributor in GriefShare and a frequent retreat and conference speaker. "Yet I have loved Jacob; but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness." James and John want to toast the Samaritans (Luk 9:54). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Lessons about making choices are demonstrated throughout the Bible, as they are throughout our lives. The answer is in verse 18: Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord. We see again the two things that marked Abrams life of obedient faith, the tent and the altar: Abram the pilgrim, just passing through; and, Abram the worshiper, bearing witness to a pagan world. The Bible says, "Who is the man who fears the Lord? Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. This verse serves as a reminder that those who choose to do evil will be destroyed and mocked by others, whereas those who follow God will be protected . 6:9-10). He settled in Sodom and blended in with their corruption. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Read them in the archive below. Abram lived for God and came up full. In this article we'll take a look at a few people in the Bible who made wrong decisions. Sometimes we need to confront sin or take a stand for the truth, even though it causes conflict. When we analyze suffering, we can learn a great deal if only we will trace the circumstances back to their cause. 1) Confess it to God. The king answered the people harshly, for he forsook the advice of the elders which they had given him, and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions., So the king did not listen to the people; for it was a turn of events from the. Since you took advantage of the privacy of having your own room and snuck out the window, you lose the privilege of having a door. The concept of mocking is referenced numerous times throughout the Old Testament, especially when Gods people disobeyed. The following are five examples of choices and consequences that we can learn from. When we submit ourselves to God, our pride and arrogance are replaced with humble obedience and a desire to follow His will for our lives. The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.. Dr. Mike has worked in the information technology field for many years and he uses his talents and experience in the ministry for the glory of the Lord. Is it so we can give more to missions? If the bottom line is that you want more money because you want more things, then youre not seeking first Gods kingdom. Someone has said that we tend to think of commitment to Christ like laying a $1,000 bill on the table: Heres my life, Lord. A Christian Study, 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength, Words of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes. She is passionate about heart change for life change. But the outcome of those drops of water is totally different. If we make the wrong choice, we will have to pay the consequences. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. You have to pay attention to whom the letter was, and the verses that surround the verse you want to use. Little children, let no one deceive you. First we read David staying home when he should be out with his army (see 2 Samuel 11:1). Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you., Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywherethis was before the. Believe me, it was no accident. Thus they separated from each other. A rescuing woman marries an irresponsible man who can't keep a job, hoping that his need for her help will somehow turn into real love. Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions., Then Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day as the king had directed, saying, Return to me on the third day.. The next time you face a decision that involves a major commitment of your time or a move to a different locale, make the decision based on how it will affect your own and your familys commitment to the kingdom, not on financial factors alone. 1 Kings 13:1-17 tells us just how Rehoboam made the mistake of listening to his childhood friends instead of the nation's elders. Learn how to overcome obstacles, pain points and unlock the full potential of your prayers. Dealing with the consequences of bad decisions John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. The Bible is able to teach us how to make the right decisions every time we are faced with decision-making opportunities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is so beautifully written. What is painfully obvious is that the poor choices and behaviors soon results in a loss of blessings from God. Permissions God commands us to make choices, but only after providing us with sufficient information so that our choices will be informed ones. They were glad and agreed to give him money. It is by grace alone, no works of yours could ever gain Gods favor. David thought he could get away with murder and adultery, but he was wrong. because the person, making the bad choice, has the wrong value system. The Bible says in Galatians 6:7, Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. This passage is part of the larger context of Pauls letter to the Galatian churches. All the land he can see will be his. One drop goes to the west and eventually flows into the Colorado River and empties into the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. But if we make the right choice, we receive wonderful benefits. In this article we'll take a look at a few people in the Bible who made wrong decisions. This verse has been echoed throughout scripture in many different ways, and it essentially serves as a reminder that God is in control and that whatever we do will ultimately come back to us. 8. Then he moved his tents near Sodom (13:12). Proverbs 10:29 states, The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers (ESV). When (if ever) is it right to fight for your rights, and when is it right to give in? We must therefore take His warnings seriously and strive to obey Him in all things. Ukraine war latest: Kyiv makes cluster bombs pledge; Wagner fighters So Abram gave Lot his choice of where to settle. If our joy rides on our possessions or if we are filled with anxiety and grief if we lose them, then we are more governed by greed than by God. Next we find him living in Sodom (14:12). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 What does the Bible say about decision-making? Will Graham Devotion: 5 Traits of a Christian. What Does the Bible Say About Making Choices? Learn more about Dr. Mike at Christianity Every Day. Reuben and Gad: Regrettable Choices. The Bible presents to us various figures who made wrong decisions in their lives. When we humble ourselves before God, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have the right relationship with Him. They said, We will surely give them. So they spread out a garment, and every one of them threw an earring there from his spoil. The book of Genesis tells us Cain tended to the crops. Today we will see that Israel's choice brought neither prosperity nor security under Saul. (Read More.) Even those who would agree that this is true still tend to think that when we sin that God is displeased with me, or that I am not walking with Him or that I am out of the Spirit, or that I am out of His will. What we forget is that we can never be any of those things because of Christ. Now Sarai, Abrams wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. Wrong Choice - Life, Hope and Truth So make your choices based on Gods principles: Relationships over rights; godliness over greed; fellowship with God over the worlds approval; and, faith in Gods promises over immediate pleasure from the world. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. *. Solomon was blessed with riches and supernatural wisdom alright, but he did not exercise even the slightest hint of Godly wisdom in choosing who to marry. Dr Michael L has written 155 articles on What Christians Want To Know! By humbling ourselves and denying the desires of our flesh, we can experience the love and mercy of God. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Lot lived for greed and came up empty. Please click here to learn how. We must ask God to help us make choices that please Him. Talking to other people can be a great way to get different perspectives on the situation. The idea of mocking in connection with sowing and reaping appears multiple times throughout scripture, including Proverbs 11:17, which says, A man who loves knowledge makes others ashamed; those who follow foolish ways are destroyed.. It's easy to get overwhelmed, especially when making a complex or important decision. Galatians 6:7-8 serves as a warning to us all that our actions have consequences, and if we sow the wrong things into our lives, we will eventually reap what we have sown. What does the Bible say about learning from our choices? Charles Simeon, a godly 19th century British pastor, offered three helpful criteria for evaluating ourselves (Expository Outlines on the Whole Bible [Zondervan], XII:469-471). My focus is to listen to God and follow, Unlock the Full Potential of Your Prayers and Watch It come to Fruition, Frustrated with your prayers going unanswered? There is much more in life than the outward and material. The Bible contains many Scriptures that warn us of the consequences of mocking God and His word. So, you cannot rightfully apply this verse to a person who still struggles with sin and makes bad choices. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Most of us want to seek the other things first and add the kingdom of God later in our spare time. How can Gods people bear witness for Him if the world sees them fighting among themselves? At the hands of his brother. In Genesis 12:23, God told Abraham that if he obeyed him, He would bless him, but if he did not obey Him, He will curse all people on earth. This warning was meant to remind Abram that his actions had consequences and that others were watching how he responded. Solomon, David's son and the wisest king who ever lived on earth, also made wrong decisions. They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. Hear, my son, your fathers instruction, and forsake not your mothers teaching. We must therefore reflect on these words and diligently obey them if we wish to live a life pleasing to God. She ends up pregnant or with a venereal disease. After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abrams wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. Make the consequences a natural outflow of the crime. I maintain that feelings of guilt are a consequence of our sin and bad choices. That although I have grace that overflows, I am still are aware that when I make a choice that is bad (I SIN) I am throwing the grace of God in His face. A Christian Study. Here we find that he was in the ship and thrown into the sea. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the things God provides us. Is There a Sin That Leads to Death? However, this comes as no surprise to God. Lots choice of Sodom was based on what would bring him quick gratification, but he didnt take into account Gods promise to Abram about the land. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. is a pastor, author, Christian educator and Biblical counselor who has served in ministry since 2001. Even as the Tribes of Israel were poised to enter the Promised Land by crossing the Jordan River, a deputation came to make a deal with Moses and the Leadership of Israel. Therefore, we must remember that every choice has a consequence. He lost his wife, barely escaped with his own life and his two daughters, and goes off the Old Testament page hiding in a cave where his daughters make him drunk and commit incest with him. Ive been waiting on God but not the right way all along. They saw him as part of the world, not making a stand, compromising, so when he does make a stand they do not take him seriously. There is a point along the Continental Divide high in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado at which the waters of a small stream separate. By following these principles, we can find protection from Gods wrath and experience a harvest of blessings in our lives. Cause and Effect: An Often-Overlooked Principle Take a break and come back later. Abram chose by faith, not by sight, and ended up spiritually and financially blessed, seeing and possessing by faith the whole land of Canaan, although he died owning only a burial plot. Christians are not to be devoid of feelings. see thou to that. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. (Psalm 1:6) Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! ), stop and think about whether the quarrel is rooted in godly principle or in selfishness. The young men who grew up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us! But you shall speak to them, My little finger is thicker than my fathers loins! As Jesus watched the rich young ruler walk away, He observed, How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! (Luke 18:24). Immediately, the raging sea ceased and we see that the result of what was happening around Jonah was due to his bad decision. Only then has God opened my eyes to see the lessons I learned as a result. For this Peter receives the most famous rebuke in the Bible (Mt 16:23). In light of this truth, its important to understand what we should do to avoid mocking God. God put Adam in the garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it and told him that he could eat from every tree in the garden except for one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. There is a sense, of course, in which that is true. Fortunately for us, God did not . Sometimes we make bad choices and suffer the consequences, yet many of these times, God blesses us and delivers us from those choices. The apostle Paul said, Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. Solicitation Disclosure Statement The Bible clarifies that if we disobey God and the Holy Spirit, He will pour out His wrath on us (Deuteronomy 28:1568). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Proverbs 22:3 warns us to consider the long-term consequences of our choices: "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself . and they rose up before Moses, together with some of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen in the assembly, men of renown. Are you more prone to withdraw from the world or to join in with it? We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there, in small deeds of faithfulness and obedience. Jesus was the friend of sinners, but He was never tainted by their sin because He put a premium on fellowship with the Father and He never sought the approval of the world. Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the kings house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. However, Jesus has a different spirit. So David sent and inquired about the woman. Its possible to gain the whole world and lose your soul. Gods provision for that sin is found in Jesus Christ. When Your Child Makes a Bad Choice - Proverbs 31 God is warning us to seek wisdom and knowledge so that we dont succumb to foolishness and make wrong choices that could lead to mockery from others. in biblical counseling and certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). No matter who we are, all of us have made choices in our lives that have had consequences: some good, some not so good. That decision led to a relationship which forever affected our lives, not to mention our childrens lives. By obeying Gods Word and walking in His ways, we can avoid being mocked and experience the fullness of His blessings in our lives. We must therefore strive to live a pleasing life in His sight, as Gods love for us is unconditional, and he desires our obedience. Apparently, Solomon realized this grave mistake and also realized what he lacked, that he did all this: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." What Does the Bible Say About Making Good Choices? And though he was unrepentant at first (v. 5-6), he eventually yielded (v. 13). For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. His words are recorded in the Bible for us, too, so that we can avoid being mocked by others and reap a harvest of blessings in our lives. How does a Christian find the right balance? Encouraged to face the consequences. (Proverbs 9:10). 2023 BGEA Unfortunately, Adam and Eve made the wrong choice and death was the consequence.

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