Our choices are important and have far reaching consequences, because consequences can reach far into the future. Examining our choices today can show what our future will look like. I have eaten for many years like there are no consequences and as a result of that, I am overweight and suffering because of those choices I made many years ago. Sweets and salty foods have been my companions through much of life, but they haven’t been my friends. Losing weight is much harder in my 50+ years and the consequences go far from the physical. My mental health has suffered because of the way I view my body. I have held myself back from so many things because of the way I look. I have missed out on time with my kids and grandkids that I will never be able to recover. I have missed out on trips and doing things for God. My relationships have suffered because I hold back not wanting to look foolish or being unable to participate. All of this because I didn’t weigh the consequences of my actions.
But when I make the choice to prioritize my health and to make better food choices, I find my pain receding and a joy returning to my life.
Choices we make today can also make our future lives so much better as well. Choosing to be financially responsible can result in living a debt free life and being able to give abundantly to causes that matter to you. Being financially free allows you to help out loved ones when they need it with a smile on your face. I love what Dave Ramsey says, ‘If you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” Of course, Ramsey is talking about finances, but this can be applied to any area of your life.
God had to show Cain the consequences of his behavior in Genesis 4. Cain had killed his brother Abel and then lied to God about it. When Cain was confronted with the murder of his brother and his lie, Cain tried to excuse his behavior and then finally complained that his punishment was too great. How often do we follow this line of thinking and behavior? How often do we try to cover our sins and then when we can’t we play the blame game?
Let’s focus on making positive choices that will honor Christ. Let’s honor him with our finances, what we eat, how we keep ourselves fit and ready for service. Let’s make choices that help us to make the world around us a better place. Let’s choose to care for the world around us. Maybe we can pick up litter on a school playground with our grandchildren. Perhaps we can hold the door for the busy mother who is struggling. Maybe we overhear someone who is going through a hard time, we could slip them a gas card or a 20.00 bill. Let’s make choices that will allow us to influence others in positive ways. Let’s take time to listen to those around us, not to offer advice, but just to be there for someone else. Let’s be kind as we are driving and not participate in the road rage that frequents our highways. Let’s be kind and courteous to others. Let’s forgive and overlook others shortcomings.
Just imagine what the future would look like if you and I decided right now that we would weigh the consequences of our choices. I’m going to ask God to help me see the future just a little clearer next time I have a choice to make.
Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Adventures in Abundance 
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