truth or consequences?
"None of those who cry out, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven." —Matthew 7:21
"To the eyes of faith no evil is graver than sin and nothing has worse consequences for sinners themselves, for the Church, and for the whole world" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1488). If we don't do the Father's will, Jesus will solemnly declare to us: "I never knew you. Out of My sight, you evildoers!" (Mt 7:23) If we don't hear and do God's Word (see Jas 1:22), our lives will collapse and be completely ruined (Mt 7:27). Some of the consequences of not obeying the Lord are:
- captivity (see 2 Kgs 24:12),
- slavery (Rm 6:16),
- spiritual blindness (1 Jn 2:11),
- death (Rm 6:23), and
- hell (Jn 5:29).
In addition to these tragedies, by sinning we continue to crucify Jesus (Heb 6:6). Through sin, we hold Jesus up to contempt (Heb 6:6). We reject Him, the only One Who has never rejected us (Jn 6:37). When we decide to sin, we render Jesus' death void for us (1 Cor 1:17) instead of thanking Him for loving us even to death on the cross.
However, when we repent of our sins, we restore our relationship with the Lord. Then He takes even the most messed up lives and works them together for the good of those who love Him (Rm 8:28). Resist temptation. Obey the Lord. Repent. Love Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I die rather than sin (see Heb 12:4).
Promise: "Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may Your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low." —Ps 79:8
Praise: St. Irenaeus wrote several works opposing heresy, and finally suffered martyrdom for love of Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
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