Choices and Consequences (Part 1)
Choices And Consequences
The above photo. I was age 7. The photo shows me on the left, my sister Judy, Dave and Ron Smith. On the front row: My cousin Ron Hendry, Bob and Brian Smith.
When I was 12 years old I received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon. In those days we attended Sunday School and Priesthood Meeting in the morning and Sacrament Meeting in the afternoon. That summer I decided to skip Sacrament Meeting and spend my afternoon playing on the banks of Lee Creek behind our home.
At that time my father was an active member of the United Church, and they only attended church in the morning, so I thought I could get away with skipping in the afternoon.
My truancy gave my father an opportunity to teach me one of the most important lessons of my life.
I recall him speaking with me in the front hall of our new home on Lee Creek. He said, “You can attend your mother’s church, or my church, or no church at all, but you have to do it 100%.” Then he quoted Revelation 3:15-16 – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
My father expected an answer. He did not allow me to procrastinate my decision.
I had the complete freedom to choose. It was a wonderful opportunity but one with serious consequences.
My dad was telling me I didn’t have to go to church, but if I choose not to go, I could never go. The freedom to choose was empowering. I felt like an adult.
For me the choice was simple. I actually enjoyed most church meetings and activities. Almost all of my friends were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so that is where I decided to spend the rest of my spiritual life. There have been times I have wanted to be less than valiant, but I had made a choice to be active, it was my choice, and I intended to be accountable by keeping my promise.
We are free to make choices, but it is difficult to foresee the consequences of our choices. Moving forward in life usually requires a sacrifice. We must leave something behind. I no longer skipped church to play by the creek on Sunday afternoons. There have been many more sacrifices, and rewards, since I made that decision.
