This is one of those topics that few seem to want to discuss.  The reality, however, is that there are consequences for each and every decision we make.  God's word speaks to the concept of consequences a lot.  When His people followed Him and obeyed His desires…they were blessed.  When they chose not to follow/obey, the consequences were often quite painful. But then I think of stories in the Scripture that the person was obedient and followed the Father and the results, at least in man's eyes, were quite painful.  Just look at Christ, who's only goal in life was to glorify the Father.  He fulfilled that goal perfectly, yet His death was beyond brutal.

So, what purpose do consequences serve?  They obviously teach us and guide us…even grow us.  However, just because we make good choices we don't always gain the "blessings" people usually think of…i.e money, home, healthy children, release from the confines of life.  So what's up?

Maybe we/I simply need to look at life differently.  Yes, some consequences are a direct result of disobedience/obedience…and some things that happen in our lives are simply a result of life in a fallen world and maybe some consequences are simply to fulfill a higher purpose.

Lots of "maybe's"…I am still processing this idea.

So, a quick story about consequences:  Kathryn and I have always pushed good hygiene (o.k. the truth is Kathryn is much more consistent with the children)…properly bathing, brushing and flossing, etc.  Well, recently Ian (our second oldest) has been complaining of his back molars bothering him.  Kathryn took a look and quickly realized that he had 2 huge cavities.  We sent him to the dentist a couple of days later and the dentist quickly informed me that the 2 molars had to be removed.   Thankfully, they were not his adult teeth, but he was in quite a bit of pain for the next few days…both physically and financially (we told him that part of the consequence of him not brushing/flossing properly was that he was going to have to pay for the dental bill.)  The result however has been wonderful.  He is brushing 3-4 times a day and has a new look on obedience.  He was given a very concrete example of what happens when you choose to submit…lesson learned.

If only we as adults would respond with the same vigilance when our heavenly Father tries to teach us.