Our conscience should keep us out of trouble.

It’s just so tempting to do something you know you shouldn’t because you don’t think it’s a big deal. Adam and Eve both knew they shouldn’t eat the forbidden fruit, but it seemed ok and it was right there. Lot’s wife knew she was told to not look back, but she really wanted to. David knew that taking another man’s wife was wrong, but she was so pretty. Josiah was a good king, but disobeyed the word of the Lord and went to war, even when the enemy did obey God.

We all know right from wrong. We have a conscience that tells us not to do that thing we shouldn’t, but then we do it anyway. Even Paul said, For the good that I will do, I do not do, but the evil I will not do, that I practice. (Rom 7:19) The problem comes when we have to live with the consequences of our actions. Adam ushered sin into the world. Lot’s wife turned to salt. David lost his son. Josiah died an early death. The consequences are demanding because we are expected to be obedient. God isn’t messing around. He blessed Josiah earlier because Josiah humbled his heart. He didn’t get another opportunity to do that when he disobeyed God. You can’t count on repenting later. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience opens doors to greater anointing because God can trust you. Turning your back, for what you think might be a brief dalliance, could be the calamitous turning point that not only affects you, but those who follow you. Just say no.