In the beginning, the Lord blessed man with a paradise garden to keep, trim, and enjoy. Only one prohibition was mentioned. Adam and Eve were not to eat of the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17). If they ate, they would lose their place in the garden and forfeit their right to the “tree of life”. They would lose their lives and their special relationship with the Lord. This was the consequence. Sadly, they ate of the tree and paid the consequences.
Have you noticed the singular lack of consequences in almost every system of American culture? God’s plan of behavior management for children (the rod of discipline, Proverbs 22:15) has been set aside by parents and schools. Athletes, stars, and politicians are seen to break laws with impunity. Bad manners and rudeness are tolerated if one is popular or famous. Coaches throw chairs, athletes sling helmets, and parents attack other parents, all clear violations of team rules and rules of appropriate behavior. Yet, rarely are those actions held to account. Proverbs 19:19 tells us the truth: “A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.” Priests and teachers have abused children without penalty. Presidents lie, congressmen take money, etc.
Human beings require structure and discipline. Fortunately for us, our Creator planned for our growth and happiness by holding us accountable. God is honest with us: sin brings death. The Word clarifies His expectations and holds us accountable. God is predictable, consistent, and fair. And aren’t we thankful for that! The beauty queen and best player have the same consequence and reward as the rest of us. Moses, God’s chosen leader, was held accountable for disobedience (Numbers 20). Samson, a judge chosen by God, maintained supernatural strength as long as he followed God’s directions. However, God allowed Samson to suffer the consequences of foolish behavior: the Philistines cut his hair, blinded, and imprisoned him. Ultimately, Samson gained victory over himself and over his enemies; God did not abandon Samson but answered his prayer.
Obedience begins with the fear of consequences. God’s people cannot thrive if they accept the culture of no consequences. Churches grow numerically but not spiritually. Many are suffering from the lack of discipline among their members. Fornication and adultery, drinking, immodesty, gossip, and bitterness find their way into churches. Behavior that is plainly un-Christian is ignored while the “positive” is accentuated. By overlooking sin, the consequences of sin are not seen or felt. Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for this (1 Corinthians 5:1-5). They accepted an adulterer as a faithful brother. Paul told them to deliver him to Satan — to let him know where he was spiritually. They were not even to eat with him. How cruel! No! This is God’s way of shocking the sinner into seeing the consequence of his sin.
Not all consequences are bad. In fact, the disciplining of the Corinthian adulterer caused him to repent and return to Christ. Paul urged the brethren to reaffirm their love to him (2 Corinthians 2:3-9). The renewal of Christian fellowship was crucial in helping this brother remain faithful. It remains the same today. We cannot live without consequences. Some believe that because God does not punish sin immediately, He will not punish it at all. This is a serious mistake. In this life we might evade many bad consequences. However, in judgment all will be made right. Everyone will stand before God to be judged based on the things we have done on earth (2 Corinthians 5:10). Don’t buy into the idea of a culture with no consequences, for there is no such place in existence.
David Hartsell
