Parents instruct their children to avoid certain things that are harmful because there are consequences associated with that particular action or behavior. Adults have learned through life experiences that certain actions and behaviors result in consequences.
Although aware of regulations and warnings, some rationalize and decide it is acceptable to forego God’s will due to the present circumstances or in favor of a “perceived” greater cause. This departure may be filled with sincerity, well meaning, and good intentions; nonetheless, it is still wrong. The Bible provides many examples of well meaning individuals.
I Kings 13:11-34 tells of a man of God who chose to listen to an old prophet’s lie instead of the instruction of God and it cost him his life. The book of II Samuel tells the story of Uzzah, who put out his hand to steady the ark of God when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. This decision cost him his life because the ark was not to be touched (II Samuel 6:6-7). Moses was told to speak to the rock for water (Numbers 20:7-12). Out of frustration with the children of Israel and their complaining, he struck the rock as he had previously (Exodus 17:5-6). Moses did not heed God’s direction, and it cost them entry into the land which God was providing to them.
The Word of God enables us to grow in knowledge and wisdom through study. We have many examples of well-intentioned people choosing to do things contrary to God’s will; their decisions led to consequences. There are consequences today for not following God’s will and some involve eternity. I am reminded of the words in Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
God’s word is complete and all that we need (II Timothy 3:16-17). Let us never allow what feels right or what we think is best under the present circumstances to circumvent God’s will.
For the elders, Terry Clark