The Sting of Disobedience
Image by David Clode
Sometimes the sting of disobedience isn’t immediately apparent.
Have you ever been stung by a bee or bitten by a mosquito? If yes, you already know that the pain of a bee sting is often immediate, while sometimes the pain and discomfort is more discreet (and slow to develop) with a mosquito bite (although still very uncomfortable).
Sin is the same way.
Sometimes we see the immediate consequences of our sin. For example, a child being told not to touch a hot stovetop. If the child makes the decision to disobey their parent and touch the stove, they will immediately face the effects of their disobedience. As we grow older, we can see the effects of sin mature at a slower rate. One example would be the disregard for biblical dietary guidelines, which often results in disease and premature death. We were told not to consume certain things for a reason, but often times people will not give those things up until they have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
Another example is fornication. Scripture tell us that there is a unique sin that is against your own body [1 Corinthians 6:18]. In the moment, this sin pleases the flesh, but the consequences will eventually make themselves known, whether it be the next day…..or weeks…or months later. This sin is in a league of its own resulting in unplanned life being created, unfortunate medical diagnoses, and emotional disfunction from uncommitted romantic relationships. In the case of unplanned pregnancies, fornication can even lead to more egregious sin. The point is that we are human and cannot see the path that disobedience can lead us down. The best thing we can do is be obedient to The Most High, so that we can avoid creating extra difficulties in our lives.
The Solution.
We should consistently consider that every action has a consequence. Obedience to The Most High = prosperity, while opposing Him = negative results (sin + sacrifice + death), according to Romans 6:23.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of The Most High is eternal life…” ”