Faith : Choices have consequences
The daily choices we make, the companions we choose to keep or move around with, have consequences. And if we make the daily choices or take decisions with our companions which compromises with what is right or true, the consequences may become more severe and significantly affect us.
That is, wrong choices, wrong companions and compromises with God’s clear biblical instructions have severe consequences.
The period of Sampson’s story was the time of the Judges when a generation who grew up in Israel did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the great and mighty things He had done for Israel (Judges 2:10).
“In those days Israel had no King; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes”. (Judges 21:25)
Sampson belonged to that generation. When people do or seek to satisfy their personal desires at all costs, there are grave consequences for them and the communities in which they live.
The Israelites were commanded not to inter-marry with the pagan Philistines (Deuteronomy 7:3). God’s clear instructions stood against Sampson’s choice, but he persisted. He pushed through to have his own way. That marriage ended on the rocks.
His wife was taken away from him, “and given in marriage to the man who had been Sampson’s best man at the wedding!” (Judges 14:19 & 20; 15:1&2 NLT). Sampson was an indisciplined son-in-law.
Today, in our church context, there are those who are church members and may be active doing one service or the other in church, but don’t care to live worthy of the Holy name of Christ.
Among some young people and young professionals, their thinking is “just do it” – “fun and pleasure”, “pride and prejudice” rules. There is no voice against such. However, the clear Biblical instruction is this:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT)
We are urged to draw near to God (at all times and in all places) and He will draw near to us. What choices are you passionate about? What have you set your heart and mind on to obtain in the second half of this year?
Next, our companions matter!
Sampson repeatedly chose wrong women companions.
“Some time later Sampson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice Sampson to tell you what makes him so strong and how he can be overpowered and tied up securely. Then each of us will give you 1,100 pieces of silver.”
(Judges 16: 4 & 5 NLT)
“Show me your friend and I will show you your character”. Our closest companions, friend or spouse can have the greatest influence on us – for good or bad.
In Delilah, Sampson had a companion who seduced him, punted, nagged, betrayed and tormented him.
Indeed, “she tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it!” (Judges 16:16 NLT).
Sampson’s relationship with Delilah was marked with too many compromises. Who is your best friend? Are you a loyal, faithful, Godly partner?
Some companions lead their friends into bitter experiences and in some cases even death before their God-given time is due.
Was Sampson and Delilah’s relationship that of “lust and seduction” or “love and sacrifice?” Sampson’s wrong choices and lustful relationship with pagan Philistine women and his compromises cost him dearly:
“Then she cried out, “Sampson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.”
But he didn’t realise the Lord had left him. So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison”. (Judges 16:20-21 NLT)
This was a very bitter consequence of his series of evil choices, wrong companions and an undisciplined life. Tragically, Sampson abandoned his calling, broke his vows and was eventually stripped off his supernatural gift.
Here is the big lesson of life: Choices have consequences.
What can be used by a man or woman to successfully trap you to lose your testimony and your solid resolve to live to please our Lord Jesus?
Are you in a crisis of bitter consequences? Talk to a very mature and trusted Pastor; meditate and pray on Isaiah 49:24 – 26 (KJV).
To achieve God’s purpose for your life and to reach your destiny in our Lord Jesus Christ, continue to stay in vital union with Jesus. Let His word be the standard of your belief and the goal of your actions.
Submit fully to God’s word and let His word guide you. There is also hope for any person who feels far from God now. There is a way back to God.
The Lord Jesus still desires your resolve to follow Him fully and have a very close relationship with Him.
(The author is a Leadership Development and Cross-cultural Ministries Consultant
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