Fallout

“Fallout” refers to the unpleasant results or effects of an action or event. For example, nuclear fallout describes the radioactive particles that are carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion or accident and gradually fall back as dust or in precipitation. Political fallout could show up as a decline in the polls due to an unpopular position taken. Actions have consequences - sometimes good and sometimes not so good.

The fallout from the sin committed in the garden by Adam and Eve was immediate and devastating. First, it brought a loss of innocence and, with it, a sense of shame (Genesis 3:7). Second, it damaged their close relationship with the Creator. Instead of enjoying God’s presence, now they fearfully hid themselves from Him (Genesis 3:6-10). Third, after being confronted by God, the couple began to blame others for their failure (Genesis 3:11-13). Fourth, God outlined specific consequences for everyone involved in the mess (Genesis 3:14-19). And, finally, Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden and their access to the tree of life was blocked. Wow! Talk about fallout! Who would have thought that one sin would lead to such disastrous consequences? Apparently Adam and Eve didn’t. And yet, there they were, with pieces of their shattered lives laying all around them.

But even with this example (and numerous others in the Bible), some of us still manage to think that we will be the exception to the rule. That somehow we will be the one to escape the fallout from our sins. Oh sure, we know that in the Bible it says that “you reap what you sow…” (Galatians 6:7-8) -- but that doesn’t apply to me. Yes, we know that “...when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished , it brings forth death (James 1:15) -- but it will be different for me.

Sin is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives. And there is only One fallout shelter -- Jesus Christ. Consequences from sin are inevitable in this life, but He can protect you from eternal repercussions.

God loves you!

Mike