Cause and Effect

(Pro 17:4 KJV) A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

As I read this today I asked myself, “Which came first?”  Notice that in each example you have the focus and the action.  Did they first listen to evil or did they listen to evil because they were inclined that way?  This works out in daily living today because we have a contemporary culture that is into victimhood.  It seems to say that no one is responsible for their actions, they are victims of something.

It is true we have influences.  Some are stronger than others.  Some can warp or mold, depending on your point of view.  What is also true is that we make choices.  We may not have the choices we want but we do have choices.  I used to joke about the choices I was given as a teacher, “You mean I can choose to be shot or hung?”  The point we overlook is that future choices are dependent on current decisions.

So?  I guess I would start with the small things.  I can’t even define those because what might be small to me is a giant in your life.  Start building a future and a character with what you can influence today.  God is patient but even He has a limit.