Ignoring Consequences
Another devastating effect of fatherlessness is the
ignorance of the consequences of an individual’s action. A previous
neighbor had a nephew who attended the celebratory parade of the Baltimore
Ravens’ Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers. The young
man, however, was not a Ravens fan. He was a 49ers fan. As an act
of defiance, he chose to show his support for his team by wearing their jersey
during the parade. Unfortunately, as a result, Ravens fans took offense
to him wearing the 49ers’ jersey and responded with inappropriate remarks.
The young man responded in the same manner which resulted in a physical
altercation. The altercation, ultimately, led to this young man being
killed during an event that should have been celebratory. On the surface,
it may appear that he was simply tragically targeted for his right to choose to
support the team of his choice. However,
one of a father’s duties is to teach his children to think before they act.
He is responsible for ensuring that they understand that some actions may
have serious consequences. When it comes to sports teams, many fans have
been known to behave in inappropriate ways. Even though everyone has the
right to choose the team of their liking, in instances like this you have to
use wisdom and recognize that you
may be soliciting unwanted behavior. Knowing that people have the
propensity for inappropriate responses, you have to understand the
consequences your actions may produce. Unfortunately, instances such
as this tragic murder prove that the absence of a father to provide discipline
and teach their children about consequences has contributed to the demise of
our society.
Sadly, we have become
a nation of people who refuse to accept responsibility for our actions. Many
people lose their lives because they do not stop and consider the consequences
before they act. Others are serving lengthy jail sentences because by the
time they realized that their actions could produce major consequences; they
were standing before a judge. The
discipline of the natural father prepares you for the discipline of God, our
heavenly Father. Many in the Church are out of order because they do
not understand that God is a God of order.
He does not approve of irresponsible
behavior, and He does not accept a life of sin accompanying
the work that we say we are doing for Him.
While everyone sins, there is a difference between acts
of sin and a life of sin. David committed acts of sin. When it was brought to his attention, he immediately repented of his actions.
Solomon lived a life of sin
after he chose to marry women from cultures that God instructed His people to
avoid. As a result of disobeying God, Solomon built altars for the false
gods of his wives. Many people will use the “everyone sins” response as a defense when confronted about their
sin. While that statement is true, when a person commits acts of sin they will feel remorse and approach God humbly with a mind to repent. However, when a person
lives a life of sin they continue to commit sin while making
excuses for it. We have been taught that we are now under grace and many people believe that
grace gives us a pass to sin and
live as we choose without being accountable for our actions. Grace does
not give us a pass to sin, it was established so that we have the ability to
continue a relationship with God when we error as a result of being flawed
individuals. However, God is NOT ok with sin and He HATES it!
He expects for His children to become mature sons and daughters who OBEY
His word.
