In other words, choices lead to consequences.
Chapter three of Genesis in the Bible sets out a pattern of behaviour, begun by Adam and Eve, which has been continued by human beings ever since.
The choice which Eve made to take and eat the fruit from the forbidden tree was based on a selfish desire to take something which God had not intended her to have.
Eve failed to see that God’s intention was to protect her from the consequences of that choice.
By failing to trust God in leading them into good choices, Adam and Eve opened the door to further consequences.
We read further on in Genesis that the couples’ son Cain murdered his brother Abel out of anger, also brought about by selfishness (Genesis4:1-12).
In order to help Eve realise the danger of going against God’s direction for her life, God posed the question “What is this you have done?” (Genesis3:13).
God also asked the same question of Cain (Genesis4:10).
We may not have committed such serious offences as Cain, but God also asks us to consider our choices as responsible beings, created in the image of God.
When we turn away from God, we turn away from all that is meant for our good.
Fortunately, God has provided the way for us to return to trusting His good intention for our lives.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John3:17).
Trusting in Jesus’ forgiveness opens the way for us to live as God intended.
~ Contributed by Bruce Driver from the Uniting Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.