Deuteronomy 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth that there are spiritual factors and inhibitors at work, which directly affect our well being and prosperity, or otherwise bring failures and untimely demise. The factors are clearly laid out so that no one may be deceived as to how the laws of cause and effect work, both in the temporal and spiritual realms. The passage states that obedience results in blessings being poured upon our heads by a gracious and benevolent God. And conversely, disobedience, rebellion, and iniquity bring their sure results in curses too numerous to mention.
This solemn and sacred truth is often avoided when national or personal tragedy strikes, because in some cases, the problems and suffering which comes our way may not be directly linked to anything wrong we may have done. However the general principle still holds true in the overwhelming majority of instances, even though we are now in the habit of sending for psychiatrists and philosophers to explain the results of spiritual problems. When nations or individuals adopt the laws and institutions given to man by a loving God, the sure results will be as stated in the above verses, for prosperity and untold blessings will attend us on or way. But sin and disobedience can only result in loss, for the very nature of sin comes with death, decay, and destruction built in inherently. Let's read:
Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The adverse effects of wrongdoing is especially made evident in those of us who know better, for if we deliberately choose to walk contrary to the revealed will of God in any matter, we then cannot reasonably expect good results, for God never blesses disobedience. This sacred truth was experienced first hand, when many years ago, my friend and I planned a weekend bash in the lovely island of Tobago, three huge events, beginning on Friday night and ending on Sunday with what was supposed to be a climactic block party, complete with wine, dancing and modelling. This was deliberately planned by two Seventh day Adventists who knew better, but who presumed to disobey God's revealed will, in the vain hope of reaping blessings.
The events were well advertised throughout the whole island, on television and radio, and it was with eager anticipation of enormous revenues, that we looked forward to the first night of reveling. But Friday night is not supposed to be a party night, for according to the law of God, Friday is preparation day, the time to get ready for the sacred hours of the Sabbath, therefore our expectations of tremendous blessings was a delusion, which we were soon to realize.
That Friday night a whole lot of people showed up for the first event, and we were just about to celebrate our success, when suddenly heavy rain came down out of nowhere, and washed away both our hopes and our profits, for it was a total disaster. However, we took courage by the huge turnout, and decided that Saturday night would be different, since the weather forecasters had promised nothing but clear skies. And so said, so done, for Saturday night was as clear as crystal, but only three people showed up.
At this point we realized that Sunday night would be our only hope, but the participants on our team were beginning to be disillusioned by the adverse turn of events, and because we had now run out of funds, the models actually had to go fishing in the ocean to find food, because starvation was now facing all who were involved. The end result is that the entire weekend was a total failure and loss, and we incurred heavy debt as a result of that one foolish move.
If this episode sounds familiar it is because it is, for no one disobeys God's laws and gets off scotch free. The concept which has taken deep root in modern Christendom, that violation of God's laws results in blessings, is one of the more prominent deceptions of the last days, and is scheduled to meet with signal disappointment and tremendous loss when the chips are finally tallied. Let us therefore learn from the mistakes of others, and walk in harmony with what we know is right, for the spiritual factors and inhibitors, decide whether we will be successful in life or whether we would be vanquished.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages obedience to every word of God, for our national and personal success and prosperity ultimately depends on it. Let's read:
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!