Got consequences?
You know how we teach kids that when they make a choice, those choices have consequences. Kids usually have to repeat a bazillion mistakes to get that one down…and unfortunately sometimes we never learn. I see adults who think because they can justify the reason there isn’t a natural consequence. There’s always forgiveness in Christ Jesus, but that doesn’t always mean He doesn’t allow us to face the consequences. His Word isn’t just filled with hope and truth— it’s filled with practical lessons. Like debt is dumb. He wants us to flee from it, not because of debt itself but because of the strain and entanglement it can cause us. He wants us to be so free, free from stress of finances and free from being tied down— or saying no when we should be able to say yes.
This is how I felt today. I found this darling chicken sweater, and although I’m not a farmer— I live in farm country and really thought it was adorable. Going for this vibe thing you know?
But my marriage was on the mend.
My body was being taken care of.
I was improving with present parenting…
And we were once again tackling those dumb credit cards that stole my future because I let it.
We had been out of debt once before…and it sucked so bad to say no that we swore we’d never go back. But the thing about sin? Sometimes it feels good.
It feels good to say yes to that extra slice of cake. But what about your gut?
It feels good to say yes to volunteering. But what about the time it now pulls away from your family?
It feels good to swipe the card?
But what did you just prevent yourself from getting in the future?
You know what I forfeited. A dumb chicken sweater.
I shut the app so fast and determined to say no until I could say yes. I had a sweater. In fact, I had several sweaters. And although it would have been cute (and yes, I absolutely would have gotten compliments) I didn’t need it. I couldn’t afford it. I had to say no.
Here’s to adults learning the result of consequences good and bad.
One day by saying no, which feels bad I’ll be able to say yes…and that, that my friend feels really, really good.
Rachel Redlin is a columnist, author, journalist, and award-winning radio host. She lives in Northwest Kansas with her husband and five children, where she writes about faith, food, and the simple everyday life. Want to read more or contact us? You can subscribe to the FREE newsletter at www.simplybloominggrace.com
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