If a tree falls in the forest
when no one is around, does it still make a sound?
(Combating Satan’s psychology
101)
So, it continues to come to my
attention that there are (seemingly) more and more lies of Satan coming out
these days. So, as God gives me wisdom and verses, I plan to post verses and
explanations that expose and tear down Satan's lies - and excuses that you and
I use to cover our sins, or ignore them (or their consequences) as no big
deal... So, with that said - here goes something :)
as
long as it doesn't affect me (directly) then it's not really wrong...
Tell me something: if a tree falls in
the forest, and there's no one there to hear it - does it make a sound? Yes.
Just because you and I do not hear it doesn't mean that the tree falling
doesn't produce the vibrations that also express themselves in sound waves
according to the way God made it. To say that something doesn't actually happen
because we can't see it is a lie (among many) that is used to erode our
conviction and confuse our morals. Whether those who teach this lie want to
believe in right and wrong is up to them - but their belief or disbelief in the
truth does not alter truth one iota - none.
Tell me something else: what does 2 +
2 = ? 4, right? nothing else.
Our world is mathematical - and what I mean by that is everything around us is
composed of and based on scientific mathematical laws that are unchange-able. With that said, I do need to point out that
under certain circumstances and setups, these laws that we are used to can be
exchanged with other scientific and mathematical laws for other desired
effects. For instance, gravity is a constant (more or less on the micro level
too - the Earth is wearing out). Now, gravity doesn't cease to exist just
because we see something floating or flying. Not at all.
The thing floating is either a mirage like a projection on a screen, a cartoon,
or not real or it has a propulsion ability that allows it to overcome gravity
while working with other mathematical and scientific laws.
All of that is to say this: we do not
choose truth by what we believe. Truth is. We either choose to believe it, or
we do not - and we will face the consequences of our choices. Just like
gravity. I do not suggest anyone under almost any circumstance to hold a large,
heavy rock above their heads or over their big toes and let go while saying
'Fly!' ~ (I qualify that for those who would mention rare exceptions, like
being on the moon or in space ~ :P) Gravity will do
one and only thing in all normal circumstances - cause the rock to fall and
impact whatever it is above. All truth is like that - physical, health,
relational, and spiritual - 1 definite right answer - though how it is
expressed isn't always the same in every situation. Now, I do need to clarify
that, just because there is a right answer, doesn't mean that it's going to be
easy to find, or that we will find all facets of that right answer. But, we
always do ourselves (and others) well by trying to find those details.
This complex world is by definition,
held together by those mathematical and scientific laws that we above briefly
discussed. It's so fascinating that it boggles our minds to think about! And,
even more, it boggles the amazing minds of the brilliant scientists who study
those mathematical and scientific laws in much closer detail!! So, since our
world is so mathematical, then it couldn't have happened by chance (otherwise
it would unpredictable, and it's not), and that leads to only one conclusion -
there is a Creator holding all of these extremely complex and integrated
mathematical and scientific laws together. Did you also know that He makes it
clear and easy for us to please Him, and that it's just as clear-cut as the
scientific laws themselves? How He handles us is determined (in many details)
by how we handle Him.
But, don't my word for it, let's look at His, shall we? :) I will only be able to
look at a few verses to start with, but, this is a start, that by His grace, I
intend to keep developing and explaining.
"My sheep hear My
voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."
~ John 10:27
"If you love Me,
keep My commandments... He who does not love Me does
not keep My words."
~ John 14:15, 24
"This is the message which we have
heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness
at all."
~ 1st John 1:5
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor
what is evil. Cling to what is good."
~ Romans 12:9
Please note, God is not a hypocrite,
like us - when He tells us to do something, He's already doing that very same
thing in every nuance of the command. All He's doing is saying 'If you love me,
like I love you, then you'll grow to do what I'm doing.' And when He repeats
Himself, it isn't because He forgets what He's already said,
it's because we forget (or don't read) what He's already said. He says it for
our emphasis - not to help Him, but to help us! :) And when He repeats Himself,
we ought to really perk up and humbly say, 'Okay, I must have missed some it
the first time. I need to think more about what He is saying here.'
On our topic, today, I think it's
helpful to note that when He says: "Do not be deceived" 4 times in
the New Testament (1st Corinthians 6:9; 1st Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 6:7;
James 1:16) ~ we really need to catch what He is saying. That's just one
example of many things God repeats, because we are too often dull of hearing
and/or wish God's Truth somehow weren't true. We need to consistently and
constantly grow out of that - no matter the world says. :)
One of those "Do not be
deceived" passages I mentioned above is also on today's topic of the
mathematical-ness of God's laws and His interactions
with us, so I'm going to quote it:
"Do not be deceived, God is not
mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his
flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of
the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose
heart."
~ Galatians 6:7-9
Those verses
literally speaks volumes! :) Clearly noted in
these verses, is the fact that we are constantly experiencing the results of
our choices, yet how often do we overlook or excuse away those consequences as
unrelated? It is a foolish choice to follow in the world's system by ignoring
the consequences to us and those around us - consequences that are a result of
our actions, words, thoughts, motives - and we would be wise to grow in
studying and understanding God's Word, so that we might grow in obedience, and
grow in only doing things that have good consequences, and that earn God's
blessing and approval.
Okay, so to end this 'lesson', if you
will :) ~ Let's end with one more thought to ponder, and 2 verses to go with
it: every single time you and I are not doing all the we know to do that is
right, and working on becoming dead to the desires for everything we know that
is wrong, we are taking losses.
We already saw Galatians 6:7-9 above
highlighted this briefly, but let's look at 2 more:
"Let no one say when he is tempted,
"I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He
Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own
desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;
and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my
beloved brethren."
~ James 1:13-16
"'Be angry, and do not sin': do not
let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who
stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is
good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word
proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it
may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by
whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath,
anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
~ Ephesians 4:26-32
There is much to unpack in both
verses, but I pray that God will help you and I to
learn more about both verses today, and from now on. I do want to note that the
second one shows both good and bad choices and implies the consequences, which
are pretty easy to fill in for many people ( I think).
Thanks so much for reading and
interacting with me on these posts. I pray that they are a blessing (here and
now, and eternal) to everyone who reads them! :)
And, till next time, let's keep
growing and learning God's laws of actions/consequences and how to build a
continuing relationship/friendship with Him! ~
your
bro/friend, and a growing servant/life-slave of Jesus, SH :)
***
P.S. It is my burning desire that each
and every one of these posts breaks people free from the lies and fantasies
that are hurting them, and that it inspires in each and everyone who reads
them, to grow in hunger for His Word, in quality of studying His Word, and the
ability to apply it and live it out ~ :) ~ Thanks for your prayers and
interactions - you are a key part of this small ministry :) ~ SH
P.P.S.
If you enjoy these and know of someone else who might, feel free to copy and
send or email or even share ~ it's all free :) ~ growing, SH