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Never underestimate the danger of disobedience. That is my next wise statement for you—things that I’ve heard or read that I resonate with and I need. And this is certainly one of those.
For those of us who are raising or have raised children, one of our continual challenges was to teach our children that obeying us was for their good, not to make their lives miserable—right? But it is not typically a readily-understood principle as our children grow. They often have to learn by experience that there is danger in disobedience.
And how often does our God have to remind us as his children that there is great danger in store for us when we willfully disobey or disregard his principles. What looks so enticing to begin with or so innocent and harmless can take us into sin that cripples us and keeps us in bondage.
Here’s the truth: Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. You’ve heard it said that anything that is fun is either illegal, immoral or fattening. Well, that is so not true. Psalm 16:11 says: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” It’s a lie from Satan that sin is fun and righteousness is boring. Satan is a liar and a very good one, and from the Garden of Eden to this day, he has lied about sin and its consequences. Sin is deceptive, destructive and deadly.
Yes, we have a forgiving God who is ready to forgive and restore us, but initial obedience is always better than asking for forgiveness later because the consequences of disobedience are still with you. You can choose your sin but you can’t choose its consequences.
So, is there some lingering sin in your life—some addiction—that has you in bondage? It looked so good at the beginning, so innocent, something you could handle for sure, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Proverbs 4:23 – 27 is really good advice:
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Never underestimate the danger of disobedience. That is a wise word I hope you’ll remember.