One of the Bible's fundamental principles helps us understand why God
wants us to quit sinning and turn to Him. That basic principle is this:
We reap what we sow!
Paul puts it this way: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;
for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to
his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption ..." (Galatians 6:7-8).
Speaking of humanity as a whole, he explains: "Destruction and
misery are in their ways. And the way of peace they have not known" (Romans 3:16-17; compare Isaiah 59:7-8).
Sin-disobeying God-produces suffering and pain. God hates sinful attitudes
and deeds (Proverbs 8:13) because of their horrible effects. Sin leads
to broken relationships, violence and misery. It cuts us off from God
(Isaiah 59:1-2).
The utter selfishness that lies behind sins that are inconsiderate
of others and even inhumane is vividly described in Proverbs:
"My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow
them. They will say, 'Come with us. Let's ambush and kill someone; let's
attack some innocent people just for fun. Let's swallow them alive,
as death does; let's swallow them whole, as the grave does. We will
take all kinds of valuable things and fill our houses with stolen goods.
Come join us, and we will share with you stolen goods.'
