God's Word to the Wise

A Word to the Wise

My father would say, “Pain is our friend. Pain was the body telling us something is wrong.” He would continue by briefly expounding on how people will do most anything to stop the pain, but do little or nothing to seek out and deal with the cause of the pain. This is true spiritually. People will look for ways to stop the painful results of their choices, but will not deal with what is the cause of their misery. 

A woman asked me for help with an abusive “significant other.” I told her to move out of the house they currently resided in together. I also advised her to end the relationship. I offered her a temporary place to live and whatever other necessary support required. Her response, “I can’t do that.” She went on to ask me to talk to him and pray for him to become a Christian. I suggested she still move out and end the relationship and I would visit and offer him the hope of the Gospel. Again, she responded, “I can’t.” Why? Because it would be too much of a hassle for her to move out, and she had no other means of support. 

She wanted “Spiritual Advil.” She wanted something for the pain so she could continue on with her life. To be fair, we all ask for the same relief for the misery caused by our choices. I have had the audacity to ask God to mitigate the miserable consequences for my sinful choices. Galatians 6:7-8 warns – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Therefore, if we want to avoid the painful consequences of sin let us remember Psalms 119:5-6 – Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.