Sin's Price!

Sin's Price!

‭‭Leviticus 26:18-20 NIV‬‬

[18] “ ‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. [19] I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. [20] Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of your land yield their fruit.

God does not punish without first warning several times over. As I read the verses above, I note the words: "if after all this". Imagine how many times God would have warned before he applies the punishment He has already laid out as the consequence for sin. He does not lie, and He does not belittle sin in any way. It is critical that I also understand the perspective of God when it comes to sin. The same way He hates it must be the same way I also hate sin, if I am to remain a friend of God. The Word of God is there for me as a daily guide to life. I have been given guidance that is appropriate for all facets of life, and I will not have an excuse for engaging in iniquity when the consequences for sin comes. Some of these consequences could involve the heavens being closed, and the ground unable to yield its increase the way it should. Am I able to audit my life right now to see where I stand with God? 

The unfortunate thing is that there are earthly and eternal ramifications to sin. God could punish the sinner on earth, but the sinner could have the opportunity to repent and be restored. It is also possible that the punishment for sin could be death, and that would mean that there is no opportunity to repent and be restored. This is why you do not toy with sin. This is also why a daily check is the best guide against being ensnared in sin. When I daily check with the One who can help me avoid sin, I am able to live in line with the will of God. I please God in every way, and He is able to bless all my labour and work. The ground under me will yield as it should, and the heaven above me is also open. I can work and expect a blessing, because my life is right with God. You cannot afford to let God fight you. It is a battle you cannot win, and it will end up in eternal damnation. I ask God for grace for the race that is set before me. Only by His help will I make it. God's time of favour is here.