Spiritual Realities #2d – The Power of Choice: What You Sow, You Reap

All About Power

Five months later, word went around the complex that the Association had asked the manager to leave. What you sow, you reap.

He was a Christian. Did he think that the Scriptures wouldn’t apply to him just because he didn’t read them? My bible clearly states that our life is hidden with Christ in God. That said, whether we read the bible or not, whether we do the Scriptures or not, God makes certain that his words do not return to him ineffective, useless, and empty (Is. 55:11).

I did not inquire why the Association had let him go, but I did have an opportunity to share with them the situation that had occurred between the manager and me a year earlier. They told me to see an attorney. I had broken no lease terms to warrant an eviction. I could sue. I wondered why Legal Aid hadn’t told me that!?

So, I considered the Association’s advice. Who had more “right” to sue than I had? However, before that thought could take on life and form, just as had happened a year ago, happened again. Bible verses began to “walk” across my mind: “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Cor. 6:7, NIV).

Whoa! These were tough questions. I shook my head to clear it. What was God after? Then, Jesus’ words clearly sounded in my mind, “Forgive”. I sighed deeply. Well, I had forgiven, hadn’t I? As I tried to make sense over this tempting detour in my Christian journey, I realized that the Lord was testing me. If I had forgiven, then why was I wasting useless thoughts on seeking restitution through the courts? Wasn’t the Apostle Paul against the same thing occurring in the Corinthian church?

Okay, I got the message. Forgiveness meant a clean slate. My heart was clean and I was determined to keep it that way. Without a backward glance, I tossed out that good-looking temptation. The power of choice was mine, after all; and what I sowed, I would also reap!

Next week: #2e –  The Power to be Wronged: Faith That Purifies Hearts

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Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, Cambridge 1769. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Scriptures marked “NIV” are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.