Choices create outcomes. When a choice results in a good outcome, we call it a blessing. When it results in a bad outcome, we call it a consequence.

Note: This article is in a series called Two Roads. Previous articles are always available at http://www.webbweekly.com.

A consequence is the result or effect of an action, especially as it directly relates to the person taking the action.

After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam suffered consequences. He experienced guilt and shame. The ground was cursed because of him, forcing him to work hard for his food. He lost his garden home and was put out on the open road that leads to death. He lost access to the tree of life, and his body began aging and wearing out. In time, he would die, and his body would decompose and return to dust.

For Moses, the consequence was never setting foot in the promised land.

For David, Nathan listed them in detail,

Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own . . . out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes, I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel … because by doing this, you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die. Excerpts from II Samuel 12:10-14

For Peter, the consequence was paralyzing shame.

For Judas, the consequence was regret that led to the taking of his own life.

These examples reveal three types of consequences: predictable, risky, and unintended.

A predictable consequence is one that will happen. For Adam, eating the forbidden fruit resulted in death. It was predictable because God had already set is as the consequence. Adam was well aware of it, but he rationalized himself into thinking it might not happen.

If you jump out of an airplane flying at 12,000 feet without a parachute, what will happen? You know the answer because the consequence is predictable.

Being aware of predictable consequences is a great way to avoid bad choices. If Adam had reminded himself of the predictable consequence of death before eating the forbidden fruit, he wouldn’t have eaten.

Are you considering a bad choice right now? Take a moment to think through the predictable consequences. Make a list. Be fully honest with yourself. When you are done, read the list out loud. If you do this exercise before making a bad choice, you will be much better equipped to resist temptation.

Warning: If you can’t think of the predictable consequences, then you are already fooling yourself through rationalization. You would be wise to ask a trusted friend to help you think it through.

A risky consequence is one that could happen. Some consequences are less predictable because there are several possible outcomes. Driving while impaired does not guarantee an accident but increases risk. A loaded gun pointed in an unsafe direction does not guarantee someone will be injured or killed, but it increases risk. A risk is defined as a possible negative outcome.

David wasn’t ignorant. He knew intercourse with Bathsheba carried the risk of pregnancy. Had he considered that risk ahead of time, he would have made a better choice.

Before you take a risk, consider the possible negative outcomes. Then, consider the consequences of whether any of those outcomes should materialize. Again, thinking through the consequences of a bad decision will help you make a better choice.

An unintended consequence is one that cannot be anticipated. Adam had no idea that eating the forbidden fruit would cause you and me to suffer the fallout of his bad choice thousands of years later. You need to be aware that bad choices always produce unintended consequences. Did you hear that? I’m going to repeat it, but I need you to imagine that I’m yelling it as loudly as I can, “Bad choices always produce unintended consequences!” And sometimes, the ripple effect of those fateful decisions goes on and on and on.

A drunk driver doesn’t intend to kill anyone. Regardless, the victim is still tragically dead, a wife is a widow, and a child is fatherless.

Every bad choice produces a load of consequences. This should serve as a caution to every man who is considering a bad choice. You are aware of the predictable consequences and are likely weighing the risky consequences, but you cannot know the unintended consequences your actions will unleash.

An awareness of consequences is a vital part of decision-making. Jesus referred to it as counting the cost,

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, “This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.” Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. Luke 14:28-33

Do yourself and the rest of us a huge favor: Before you make a bad choice, count the costs. You’ll be glad you did — and so will we.