While there are some things we can choose to avoid in this world, the Bible (as well as common sense) tells us there are some things we cannot escape.

1. Personal Responsibility. We are living in an age where few people are willing to take responsibility for their own actions and their own lives. People like to play the "Blame Game." Adam and Eve tried to do this when God confronted them regarding their sin. "Then the man said, 'The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.' And the Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate'" (Gen. 3:12-13). People like to blame others for their mistakes and problems, but God holds us responsible for our own choices (Ezek. 18:20).

2. Our Influence Upon Others. All of us have an influence upon others. The Bible warns that "evil company corrupts good habits" but also encourages us to be a good influence upon others: "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God" (1 Cor. 15:33, 10:32). We are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16).

3. The Presence of God. While we may hide our sins from others to protect our influence and reputation, we cannot hide our sins from God. David acknowledged there was no place on earth where he could go to escape the presence of God (Ps. 139:7-12). The Hebrew writer warned, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4:13). The one Person we cannot hide ourselves from is the same Person we must stand before in judgment.

4. The Physical Consequences of Our Sins. The wages of sin is death, but God offers the gift of salvation through the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:23). The spiritual consequences of our sins can be forgiven, but the Bible never promises the removal of the physical consequences of our sins. We will reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-8). Those who abuse their bodies with tobacco, drugs or alcohol can be forgiven of that sin, but their bodies will still bear the marks of their past actions. Those who commit fornication can be forgiven of that sin, but they will still face the physical consequences of that lifestyle. Those who gossip and slander others can be forgiven of that sin, but they can have a difficult time overcoming their reputation.

5. Death. "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27). We all have an appointment with death. Cemeteries and obituaries are daily reminders of this fact. We can try to postpone this with healthy choices, but death will eventually come to all of us. How foolish it is for us to ignore or try to deny this reality.

6. Judgment. As Hebrews 9:27 said, after death comes judgment. On that final day, everyone who has ever lived will stand before the Lord in judgment. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10; c.f. Matt. 25:31-32; Rom. 14:10-12; Rev. 20:11-15). We often purchase insurance for things that might happen. We know judgment is coming. There is no excuse not to make preparation for that great day.

Let us consider seriously the things we cannot escape, and serve the Lord with diligence and faithfulness.