“Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die.” (Ezek. 18:28)
LIFE PALNNING EXPERTS TEACH the importance of knowing the long-term results of your actions. For instance, the long-term results of managing your time include less stress, more success at reaching goals, and a greater level of satisfaction with your career and life in general. Conversely, the results of being careless with your time include missed opportunities and projects that never get done.
It’s even more important to consider the results of sin. One result is that it stands in the way of every good thing that God has for you. If you know that some of your actions and thoughts don’t please Him, you’ll lack confidence when asking Him for the things you need. Further, consider the pain you cause others when you sin, especially when you treat them with an unloving attitude. Can you think of relationships that are still damaged by something you said or did long ago? Then consider how poorly you treat God by sinning. He has done everything for you and deserves to have you love Him back by obeying His Word. Does your way of living show how grateful you are for His mercy and grace? Consider the forgiveness God offers in Christ, and trust Him to cleanse you of the guilt of every one of your sins.
Paul Zinter serves as a substitute teacher and enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
© 2017 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
