Truth Or Consequences!

I found it interesting that as New Year’s Eve approached, a couple news broadcasts discussed the topic of the “Cure For The Hangover.” A number of “cures” for hangovers have been offered over the years, but the conclusion of these news reports was that there is none. It appears the only cure for the hangover is to not get drunk. Interest in such news reports and studies reflects how many don’t want to change their BEHAVIOR, they are only interested in someone coming up with a method to either diminish or do away with the consequences for choices made. This is not only true with regard to drinking, but also with choices of sexual BEHAVIOR, the use of drugs, lack of consideration for others and what is theirs, devaluing of life, etc.

The truth is, that which is not good for the body (or the spirit or soul) should be avoided. The breaking of either God’s natural laws or spiritual laws has it’s consequences. When bad choices are made there is a price to be paid either mentally, physically, socially, or spiritually. If there is no desire for BEHAVIOR to be changed or transformed, where can hope be found?

Paul urged…
“(12) LET NOT SIN therefore REIGN IN YOUR MORTAL BODIES, to make you obey their passions. (13) Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but PRESENT YOURSELVES TO GOD as those who have been brought from death to life, AND YOUR MEMBERS TO GOD AS INSTRUMENTS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” ( Romans 6:12-13 ESV)

For some, the symptoms of what ails them may be recognized, but the heart is not being changed. To what have we chosen to give our lives? For what purposes are we putting to use our body? Does our BEHAVIOR reflect a genuine interest in seeking to use the members (parts) of our body as instruments of righteousness?

To the church at Ephesus, Paul wrote…
“(17) Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (18) And DO NOT GET DRUNK WITH WINE, for that is debauchery, BUT BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT,” ( Ephesians 5:17-18 ESV)

Debauchery is self-indulgent BEHAVIOR that is unrestrained. By being filled with the Spirit and thus being led by the truth of God, we can avoid suffering the consequences that others bring upon themselves. It is only through a changed heart and the transformation of life God brings that we can find deliverance from the consequences of sin. Two “B’s” we must always keeping in mind are “BElieving” and “BEHAVING”!

Have a great day BEING WHAT GOD DESIRES US TO BE!
Carl

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