It's Easier To Ask Forgiveness Than Ask Permission

It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.  Ever heard that phrase?  I have, too many times to count.  I know and understand that some people think it’s funny and use it in a joking fashion.  “Are you allowed to do that?”  “I don’t’ know, but it’s easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.”     I cringe.  It feels like nails on a chalkboard, if you’re my age, or like teeth grating as you eat.  It’s painful!  I believe there are some valid reasons why this is one hundred percent false. 

The action is questionable.

This phrase implies that the person either knows that what he or she is doing is wrong, but they don’t care; or that they are not going to take the time to find out before they engage in the activity.  In either event, what they are doing is obviously disputable.  It’s like saying, “We’ll worry about the legality of the situation later.”  This does not sound like a great plan. 

It encourages rash behavior

Not only is the thing that they are doing questionable, but you are also encouraging your children, spouse, friends to act impulsively.  How?  They see you acting without consideration for the consequences of those actions, and it can inspire them to behave in the same manner.  In grade school, we had kids try to swing so high and so fast that they would go over the top of the swing set.   Why? Because one kid managed to do it, and others had to follow.   Once a behavior is learned, it may be hard, if not impossible, to unlearn.  Often our actions become our lifestyle

This attitude may carry over into our spiritual life. 

What concerns me most is that this mentality often carries over into the spiritual life as well.   Is it really better to act, and then ask God for forgiveness?   People living like this often use this phrase to do whatever they want and then ask forgiveness.  Will God forgive them?  Most definitely!  But they may not be free from the consequences of their sin.  A man reaps what he sows.   So for those who say, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than ask permission.”  Let me ask you one question Is it truly better, to do what you want and ask God for forgiveness?  If you genuinely love God, would you not find out what He wants first before you act rather than have to come to God saying I am sorry I failed you?  I am pretty sure I would instead seek God first rather than come to God saying, “I blew it, I’m sorry, forgive me.