First popular as a radio, then as a television game show, Truth or Consequences required contestants to answer questions correctly or, as a consequence,  perform some ridiculous stunt.  The consequences were always funny, making the show a hit with audiences.

Consequences aren’t always funny however.  But they are necessary in all dimensions of human experience.  We need consequences, even difficult ones to provide limits to extreme or hurtful behavior.  When there are no consequences, there are no restraints.  Human nature always attempts to mitigate consequences.  As an exhibit of this truth, look at this story about a teenaged burglar for whom the consequences of his crime are insignificant…CLICK HERE.  The only thing more heartbreaking than this young man’s response is a legal system that would assume letter writing is a legitimate consequence for property theft.

God has ordered the universe so that “cause and effect” are part of our experience.  Causes are behaviors, effects are consequences.  Mary and I tried to teach our boys that their behaviors always resulted in effects, either good or bad.  Another way to explain this is to say “whatever a man sows, this he shall also reap.” (Gal. 6:7). In our own lives, we demonstrate this--sow to debt, and you will reap the pressure of paying bills on limited resources.  The consequences of lying are that people will distrust you, and untrustworthy people have limited opportunities in life.  I could go on and on.

There is another aspect to this you need to impress on both children and church members: Galatians 6:7 promises cause and effect, but it also makes God the guarantor of the process.  “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatever a man sows, this he shall also reap.”  A foolish legal system can mitigate the consequences of property theft by requiring the thief to write a letter.  God, however, guarantees that there are other consequences more equal to the offense.

Pastor, this is important to instill within your own family.  But it is also important to explain to a congregation.  Sincere church members, thinking they do their children a favor, often keep children from learning the “cause and effect” reality of life.  Sincere church members, with poor understandings of the nature of forgiveness, short circuit the effects of ungodly or criminal behavior.  Declare the whole counsel of the word of God.  Remind your hearers that God has ordered the world so that we reap what we sow.

A church reaps what it sows as well.  Sowing the seed of the gospel leads to a harvest of souls.  It is a law of the universe.  God is its guarantor.  Make sure your church is sowing the gospel seed.

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