PUNISHING CRIME

 

PUNISHING CRIME

Eccl. 8:11 When a crime is not punished, people feel it is safe to do wrong. NLT

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to always get themselves into trouble? We often wonder why they keep doing it. The answer is simple; doing the crime is worth the time when the cost of doing the crime is not severe enough to make one want to stop it. People do not fear punishment when it is not sufficient to deter crime. When a person is basically slapped on the wrist for their wrongdoing, they will continue to do what seems right in their own eyes regardless if it is a crime or not. I knew that when growing up if I behaved wrongly, I was painfully disciplined for it. I learned very early in life that the pain for the crime was not worth doing the crime.

We see the result every day of a soft attitude about crime. Parents ignore what their children do, people don’t tell on those they know are doing wrong, pastors overlook sin in the church, people in the church overlook their pastor’s sin, people in authority are allowed to do whatever they want with little consequences, etc. We reap what we sow, and we should not be surprised at the result. The heart is wicked to the core, and people will do evil much more easily than they will do good. When crime is not punished, people will feel safe to continue doing evil.

The Lord disciplines us so that we will learn what not to do in our walk with Him. He knows that only a holy heart will be able to make it into heaven. He loves us and does all He can do to help us to keep our hearts holy. He quickly points out our sins and holds us accountable to Him for them. He loves us and refuses to let us feel safe in continuing in our sin. He knows that He who sins will be held accountable before God for them, and He longs to spare us from our own folly.

Do not get mad at God when He holds you accountable for sin and disciplines you. He does it because He loves you and desires a relationship with you. Instead, be thankful. Thank the Lord that He is merciful as well as just. Thank Him that He loves you and cares about your soul. Thank Him for not leaving you alone to die in your sin. Thank Him that He provides a way out of your sin. Thank Him that He does not hold your sin against you once He forgives you. Thank Him that He does not look beyond the righteousness of Christ in you and that your past sins are no more in His sight. Thank Him that He is on your side and will always strive to help you to be holy before Him.