After the fact

A good example of an ‘after the fact’ is the word ‘could’da’ - often it means you knew ahead of time so it really was a should’ve. If we know - now - that we could’ve, then obviously it was a known option. I would also argue that it was a deliberate non-choice ‘cause you really didn’t wanna. Well that was kinda fun. 

How often, though, when it is after the fact do we exclaim- I should’ve? That’s why I say that it was a I don’t wanna!

One point is... do we live in the rear mirror? Are we always looking at those options after they are no longer options? And... do we ever accept the fact that we really could have made a decision rather than letting 'fate' take the blame? These are the: 'I really didn't have a choice' or 'there wasn't enough time to fully examine...' aka excuse. Of course we have a choice  - we always have a choice. Let me use a very simple example. 

There are those who deny their free will... selectively. Every thing that goes according to what they want is because of their astute decision. Those things that are not positive is because they 'had no choice'. Too many of us use the 'After the fact' approach - there are even those who begin to develop their 'after' as they begin their actions. Not sure how this squares with scripture though:

   "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:37

The obvious implication is that we (in fact) have the time and information to make a reasoned decision. Of course we have a choice. Let's face it - 'After the fact' is nothing more than a lame excuse. AND, we typically 'accept' that from others because we use it! But are we so lame, do muddleheaded, so people pleasing that we can't/don't stand for what we believe? As a Christian... do we compromise out faith?

Jesus asked:

   "And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf? I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7-8

Compromise has no place in faith. What are we saying with our words and actions? After our compromise (and for what purpose???) do we habitually turn to the Lord seeking forgiveness? And do we do our 'after' often? Exactly what kind of Christian are we? Not the kind of faith He will be seeking? Never.

Harvest.org says:

   "True faith, the kind of faith that God requires, is a faith that always will bring results. It is a faith that shows itself in actions. Quoting James 2:14, 17 NLT says,

   “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? … So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless”  

This is what I like to call Now Faith. It is present, it is visible, it is not ... After.