Consequences

I had actually written about something else.  I was quite pleased with myself that I had it done and dusted early, which meant I could get on with other things.  But today I heard a piece of news that saddened me.  It is likely to be all over the news tonight.
Although the circumstances are very different it reminds me of something that happened to me and my reaction at the time.
Decades ago my walk no longer matched my talk.  I think in such circumstances it is possible to get away with something for a while, but it is inevitable that people discover you are living a lie.  I must admit when I hear some apologise for something I am left wondering are they apologising for what they did or are they just sorry they got caught.  Often only the person themselves knows the answer to that one.
What I have to say will be “religious” to some.  It is the way I see things and is indicative of my world view.  When my walk no longer matched my talk, someone said to me “so and so predicted that would happen.”  I must admit I was totally bemused by that.  My internal response then is the same as it is now. “If they had spent as much time praying and working for it not to happen, as they did declaring it would happen, maybe it would not have happened.”  Anyway, that is water under the bridge, and I learned from it.  As I always say I am not responsible for others, but I am for myself.
That experience influences my outlook.  The news I heard today shocks me but I feel that each person needs to bare the consequences of their actions.  I do not condone such things, but I also do not set myself up as superior in any way.
Again I refer to something that is my world view.  I thought of the story where a woman was brought to Jesus by those who thought they were the bees’ knees, and knew all the laws of the society they were in.  This woman had been sleeping with another guy who was not her husband.  The laws of that time said she should be stoned. (I do wonder about the guy.  Why does it not seem the laws were as harsh on him.  But that is beside the point)
It is what Jesus did that causes me to cheer and gives me a reason for the hope I have.  He basically said whoever is faultless stone her.  All the accusers left.
To me that speaks volumes.  For what has happened I think there will be a crescendo of voices condemning.  There will be some who will say “I told you so”, or “I expected that.”  Others will either imply or state outright they would never do that.  Again, I do not condone what has happened.  Because of the persons influence, the ramifications could be worldwide.
I totally think it is true that some “would never do that.”  But I do think it is a bit rich to act like I would not do anything wrong.  Imply that I am perfect or superior.  I know I would have dropped my stone and walked away.
I reckon it is right and justifiable I get sorry or angry at what happens.  But what I need to do is concentrate on me.  For me what others do is not the main event.  What I do is.