While waiting for the result of a medical test, I naturally wonder about the outcome. Are blood markers below or above the normal range? Are skin or internal growths benign or malignant? Aging seems to bring more of these tests, and both positive and negative results. Truth is, we’re tested every day through our decisions and actions. 

“Outcome” in the New Testament is often translated from the Greek telos, an end or a goal, or ekbasis, a way out or result.Outcome, something that follows as a result or consequence. Sometimes due to our behavior, sometimes not, sometimes surprising, sometimes mysterious.

A positive outcome

But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Romans 6:22 NASB

Here’s the last picture I have of my mother, with me, my daughter, granddaughter, and elder sister. Six weeks later, Mother passed away at the age of 96. All of us die, without exception, so our life decisions matter, the most important of which is faith.

Romans 6:22 is part of a Paul’s discussion of two different lifestyles: serving sin, which leads to shame and death, or dedicating one’s life to God, which leads to sanctification, holiness. Two forms of enslavement. Those freed from sin become servants of Jesus Christ, like Paul. And that leads to the ultimate outcome of eternal life. 

Choosing faith and trusting in Christ has an incredibly positive outcome. We are changed into people who are bound to righteousness, inwardly and outwardly, more like Christ. Although not there yet, we are on our way to that goal.

A negative outcome

For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17 NIV

Children who grew up in the 80s and 90s participated in self-esteem programs at school. According to Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D. author of the book Generation Me, the result of all these programs was zero, no impact, nothing. Except Gen Me’s have a harder time with criticism, and as young adults suffer higher rates of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. A negative outcome.

Twenge did not discuss the curriculum specifically, but if my daughter’s fifth-grade self-esteem education was representative, it’s no wonder the personal responsibility message got flipped. To Me’s, self-esteem is who you are innately, not what you do, and it’s not your fault when things don’t work out. Unsurprisingly, the desired “feel good about yourself” didn’t pan out either. Did you notice that there was no mention of being a child of God and made in His image, no mention of trials and suffering, only self-regard?

It wasn’t until I became a believer that I learned to see trials and suffering as a way for God to refine my faith. Peter writes in his first letter, chapter 4, verse 17, about the negative outcome for those who do not follow the gospel. Judgment begins with the church, he says, God’s household. We should welcome that which purges sin and fosters obedience. God holds His children to high standards and lovingly corrects those who belong to Him, as parents with children. Because the ultimate negative outcome for those who disobey and esteem only themselves is terrifying.

Consider the outcome

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 NIV

After Keith and I moved to Vanaprastha permanently, in the fall of 2012, we visited churches and eventually settled on Bethany Lutheran Church in the Shenandoah Valley. Our decision was based on several factors: the welcoming community, the emphasis on Bible study and spiritual growth, and the leadership, the pastor in particular. He and his family are models for living out the gospel, as we all are encouraged to be and do.

In Hebrews 13:7, the author tells Christians to remember, reflect upon, and imitate the faithful, to honor their spiritual leaders, mentors, pastors, and teachers, especially those who have endured hardships, as our pastor’s family has. Role models can be found both in the present and the past, those in the early church as recorded in the New Testament. “Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith,” their steadfastness, devotion and trust in God, courage in their daily walks with Jesus, even to the point of death.

Our trust is not in human leaders, who come and go, and eventually die. Our trust is in Jesus Christ, who was and is and will be forever. Consider the outcome of faith, I say to myself, while placing the positive or negative outcomes of medical tests at His feet.

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