One of my mother-in-law’s favorite verses is Numbers 32:23 which say:
“Be sure your sin will find you out.”
This verse reminds us that a choice to sin will often NOT remain private. Once upon a time, a carpenter built many houses for a wealthy developer. As he grew older, he wanted to retire, but the developer asked him to build one more house. He said, “After that, you can retire.” The developer went on, “I’m leaving all the choices of material and design up to you. Just plan it, build it, and charge what you need to my account. I’ll pay the bills.” The carpenter thought he would work this last house to his advantage, that he would take it easy on this last house, so he cut some corners and used cheap materials. He hid his shoddy work and figured the developer would never know. So, he constructed a flimsy, second class home, rather quickly and told the developer he was finished. “That’s good,” the developer replied, “Now, here is the deed. The house is yours. It’s my reward to you for years of service. You may live in it for your retirement and remaining years!” Ouch!
A couple of sayings that are simply not good advice are… “If it feels good, do it!” and… “Let your conscience be your guide!” Neither of these are reliable. Proverbs 14:12 say:
“There is a way (which seems) right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
We can’t trust our feelings or thoughts. Our flesh desires to sin. Our thinking can be distorted by what the world says and does. The world will tell you what God calls evil is actually good. We can even talk ourselves into sin. If we want to do something badly enough, we can convince ourselves that it’s okay. But, it is not okay! Sin is sin! God sees everything and one day will judge everything. Jeremiah 32:19 says:
“Your (God’s) eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve.”
Excuses don’t count. Each of us is responsible for our choices and our actions.
Bro. David