Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The closing word-study on “consequence” (“con” = with; “sequence” = what comes next) and the poems about crossroads stress that you often “only make the choice once”; what current decision, habit, or relational pattern most needs you to ask “what comes next?” before acting, and who is the “one at the crossroads” you need to actively seek out for counsel this week?
Another way to ask: What choice, habit, or relationship pattern right now most needs you to ask, “What happens next if I do this?” Who is the person you should seek out for advice this week?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker’s point is that many daily patterns—especially how we respond to people and stress—must be evaluated by asking “what comes next,” because choices create a God-made sequence of results. The “one at the crossroads” is a wise, God-listening person (parent, leader, mentor, experienced believer) you intentionally ask before the decision hardens into regret.
- He breaks down “consequence” as “with” + “sequence,” meaning “the result that comes next after a certain choice.”
- He teaches God “created a sequence of choices and results,” leading either to “reward” or “heartache and pain.”
- He stresses we often “only… make the choice once,” echoing Robert Frost: once you go down a road, “there’s not going to be time to go back.”
- He gives concrete adult examples where “what comes next” matters: repeating the same responses, staying up late and being “tired and groggy,” “getting upset and taking my frustration out on somebody,” and “binge eating” leading to weight problems.
- He urges proactive counsel: “you’re going to have to ask… invite understanding,” and seek people with experience.
- The crossroads poem contrasts outcomes depending on whether “one stood at the crossroads… to show him the better road” and whether the boy listened.