The Detroit Free Press today had an article about a rabid Detroit Pistons fan. Last year, on the night before game 7 of the NBA finals,, this fan got a tattoo on his arm proclaiming the Detroit Pistons to be the 2005 World Champions. There was only one slight problem ... They fell short, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in game 7. But that tattoo will last forever.
It gave me pause yet once again to remind myself that choices have consequences. You can't unring the bell. You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. And so the cliches go.
How many time in our lives do we fail to fail to think of long-term consquences of present decisions? We do something because "it feels right," or "we just know it will work out." How many times do we fail to think beyond the intensity of the present moment of temptation? Words fly out of our mouths that can never be recaptured. Actions flow from our bodies that can never be undone. And then the moment's over, and now you have to live with it? Stil happy with that choice?
Before you speak, think about others. Think about the hurt your words can cause. Think about how long it will take you to explain what you really meant. Before you act, ask yourself, "Do I really want to live with this the rest of my life?" The pleasures of the moment are not worth the pain of a lifetime. It would be nice if the only consequences of choices were a tattoo. Too often, we have to measure the consequences in terms of hurt spouses, bitter children, ruined testimonies, and reproach on the name of Christ. Let us, as the Proverb says, be wise enough to foresee the evil and hide ourselves. The alternative is too permanent.
The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished (Proverbs 22:3)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Some people regret bad decisions so much that, while attempting to undo the bad decision, they make even WORSE decisions than the initial bad one. To go back to your example: He could get rid of the tattoo if he amputated his arm. I've known some people who've done that, in a metaphorical sense.
Thanks for the practical article. It was a good reminder to think through decisions.
Post a Comment