67c — The Consequences of Sin
Are the Consequences of Sin Immediate?
Sometimes it seems like people would be a lot more motivated to make good choices if the consequences of sin were more immediate and severe. Right?
Well, in a silly video cartoon I once saw, a banana-man went into his work cubicle, looked around to make sure he was all alone, and then typed someone else’s words on a report and claimed them as his own. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the finger of God appeared in the sky and zapped him dead. It was startling and funny, because it was a banana man! And he deserved it — he broke the rules and God zapped him for it!
1) Do you sometimes wish that this type of thing would happen when someone else breaks the rules? What about when you do something wrong?
2) Just because God doesn’t usually punish people’s sins immediately, does that mean God is letting us off the hook — that it doesn’t really matter what we do? (Read Galatians 6:7-9; Romans 2:4-8)
3) But then again — does this kind of thing ever happen in real life? Well — actually, yes. One incident is recorded in Acts 5:1-11.
Watch the following video created by Animator Dan Stevers to see what took place to a real-life man and woman shortly after Jesus went back to heaven.
My Prayer
Dearest Father, Please help me to choose to do what is right, rather than what is easy. Help me also remember that even if other people do not see my sin, you do — and you will one day hold me accountable. I desire to live in the light and honor you in all I do. For wrong things I’ve done in the past that I have hidden, please forgive me and help me to make amends. Thank you for your grace. Amen.
