God’s Word Cannot Be Ignored

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“So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.” (James 4:17 GNT)

The wise person understands that knowledge provides power to an individual and that knowledge’s power comes with an array of attendant responsibilities. We don’t hold little toddlers to the same standard of accountability as adults, and rightly so. However, the moment you know something, it will make a demand on your life.

The word sin in our scripture above comes from the ancient Greek word that describes what happens when an archer shoots at a target and misses. Sin happens when he does not meet the expected standard of hitting the mark. Knowledge of right and wrong has an intended goal, namely that we will choose good over evil. When we intentionally miss that target, we sin against God’s best for our lives.

Knowing good and evil in life will introduce consequences when we violate the rules. Think about it. Once you understand the requirements of driving an automobile, you will be unable to get away with reckless driving. The police officer will pull you over and hand you a ticket that will cost you a lot of money.

The wise person understands that there is no hiding from the consequences of our actions. Consequences are the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier. The consequence of tipping the first domino in a line of stacked dominoes will be that every adjacent domino will fall. The apostle Paul wrote the Galatian church the following warning:

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“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:7-10 NIV)

When you are a child, you tend to view consequences as working against you because you make many mistakes. However, as you mature, you realize that what works in the negative (time-outs, sitting in class during recess at school) also works when we begin to see positive outcomes.

God’s words are written down for us to pay attention to and obey. We will reap a harvest of blessings and abundance when we heed God. When we disobey God’s instructions, we will reap a harvest of tears.

God rewards obedience. Paul wrote that God would not be mocked or ignored, and He will not overlook disobedience. The wise person pays careful attention to God’s instructions and does good to all people as they have the opportunity.

Intelligent people understand that actions have consequences and have the power to choose their outcomes by paying attention to their choices. It is always an excellent choice to do things God’s way!

Excerpted from The Daily Christian: Wisdom by Iann Schonken

Action Steps

Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the words of God because those words are most important to your future success. Schedule time to read the Bible and be careful to observe what is required of us all.
Decide to avoid evil, hurtful words and actions. They bring about a domino effect of heartache and pain in our lives and the lives of the people we love.
Commit to doing good to everyone today, regardless of who they are and how they act toward you.
Finally, review your last week and consider instances where you did not do what the Lord requires.
Ask God for His forgiveness and assistance. Commit to improving in the areas you struggle most to obey God’s Word.