Aftermath does not mean “after a person has mastered mathematics” or, in common language, arithmetic. Mathematics is a group like arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus, etc.

Just like mathematics being a group of entities, so is aftermath the results or outcome of many things, some enjoyable and many difficulties for our lives. The decisions we make, we should think and always ask ourselves, “What then?”.

The parable of the prodigal son does vividly portray the aftermath. Physically, he left the security of his home by traveling to a far country, mentally he did not want to be in bondage to his parents, and selfishly wanting to be on his own. Spiritually, he rejected the sovereignty of God by living a riotous life. We do know the aftermath was eating with pigs, probably in tattered clothes and no friends. All of his so called friends left him when his inheritance was all spent. The first aftermath was a horrible, unsavory and tragic life. The second and most profitable aftermath was a humbling return, asking for forgiveness and looking for a gratifying life.

For all times, aftermath of war is the tremendous physical and mental suffering of innocent victims.

The aftermath of not so conducive habits like tobacco, drugs, alcohol, gambling, lying, stealing, gossip, etc. can be horrible indeed. The results can wretch the physical body, blur the mind, suffering with a guilty conscience as well as losing sight of the need for a spiritual walk with God.

The aftermath of sudden illness can be devastating by suffering physically, when just recently the enjoyment of a healthy body was taken for granted.

The aftermath of economic or financial reverses are often difficult to accept.

Probably leading the hurts involving people who are close to us is the aftermath of divorce in families. Most times, the innocent ones suffer immensely.

The aftermath of wayward children rejecting their parents is heartwrenching for those who had high expectations for their children from childhood on up.

The aftermath of losing a loved one by death is traumatic indeed. Yet, very few people living to an age of adulthood have not experienced some loss of such by death. Some people experience more than others of some sort.

The aftermath of misunderstanding between people can be very devastating. Communication breakdown by words unfitly spoken can produce an aftermath that can be enmity and animosity lasting a long time.

Satan, the author of confusion, does relish the aftermath of turmoil, disarray and utter chaos.

Probably one of the most repugnant and unfair is the innocent child suffering the aftermath of being an illegitimate victim— absolutely not the fault or doing of the child.

The conclusion of things, good or bad, is the beginning of an aftermath. How sweet it is when order takes priority in all our lives.

The aftermath of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace with all is gratifying to the utmost indeed.

Do all things decently and in order and the aftermath will most times be pleasing, delightful and satisfying.

I Corinthians 14:40

Let all things be done decently and in order.