Now here’s something nearly everyone spends a lot of time worrying about. Whether it’s the after affects of a nuclear bomb or the more subtle after affects of sin in our lives—fall out certainly plays a role. I’m just curious about which does more damage, the actual “fall out” or the feared “fall out” that most of the time never even shows up.
It seems to me that Jesus was talking about the “fall out” when He said these words in Matthew 6:34:
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
and these words in Mark 13:11,
“When they bring you, betrayed, into court, don’t worry about what you’ll say. When the time comes, say what’s on your heart—the Holy Spirit will make his witness in and through you.”
But what the apostle Paul is talking about in I Corinthians 10:29 sums it up best:
“But, except for these special cases, I’m not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I’m going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!”
It’s hard not to worry for the safety of our loved ones, health issues or financial concerns but God says to follow Him, work hard and not be anxious anyway. But what about dealing with problem people and issues? Should we consider the “fall out” when deciding whether or not to confront someone with sin? Should we worry about the ‘fall out’ when we need to let someone go who isn’t serving right in a role? Should we worry about the “fall out” when we are honest with people about things they don’t want to hear?
No.
In those situations, “fall out” can’t be the deciding factor. In fact, it shouldn’t be a factor at all except in considering how to lesson the fall out by saying something in the most loving and godly way possible—but say it you must—whether there will be “fall out” as a result or not.
Jesus never worried Himself about the “fall out” when teaching and ministering to others. Once, when He got to the real nitty-gritty of what discipleship really costs more than 100 followers showed themselves to the nearest exit—for good. He was left with just the 12. How many preachers today would keep right on preaching a message once they saw 90 percent of their church get up and walk out?
Not many.
Most would be too busy wringing their hands about all that “fall out.”
Christ followers put way too much stock in the “fall out” when living the Christian life.
If I tell her my struggles she might leave.
If I fire this person. They might lie.
If I’m too stern they might turn on me.
If I say nothey’ll get mad.
If I preach too much about money, people might leave.
If I talk too much about serving, people might leave.
If they know the truth about me maybe they won’t like me.
If I deal with their attitude they might try to turn others against me.
You can’t live your life worrying about the fall out. If it’s right, it’s right. And if Jesus says to do something…
It’s right.
And it may just bring a little “fall out” as well.
It’s still right.