Proverbs 28:4-5 “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.”
Good intentions do not eliminate the consequences when we choose to disobey God’s commands. One example would be that of Cain. In Genesis 4:3-7, Cain brings an offering to the Lord. It seems as though his hearts desire is to honor God with the best of his garden, in which he has labored much. However, Cain knew what an offering to the Lord was supposed to be. He had to have seen his parents sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord during his growing up years. Yet, he brings an offering of his own choosing. God gives him another opportunity to do the right thing, but Cain is rebellious toward God and refuses. The result, Abel is murdered, and Cain is cursed. He is alienated from all who knew him, becoming a fugitive and a vagabond for the rest of his days.
Another example is found in II Samuel 6. David wants to see the ark of the Lord sitting in the city of Zion. I believe that David’s heart was in the right place. However, back in Numbers 4:15, you will find that God had given specific instruction on how to handle the ark of the Lord. He even defines “how and by whom” it should be moved. (Deut. 10:8) No matter how good David’s intentions were, he still was not doing it God’s way. Even though his hearts desire was to honor and worship the Lord, it still had to be done according to the Lord’s command. Thus, Uzzah dies. (v.6-7) David is displeased with what the Lord has done. However, unlike Cain, he learns his lesson and when he returns to move the ark, he does it God’s way. (I Chronicles 15:1-15)
The next example we find is in Acts 5. The church is doing well. They are enjoying each other in fellowship and revival. Often when this is happening, there is a “but” that takes folks attention off of their service. Such is the case in Acts 5. Ananias and Sapphira have just seen (in Acts 4) Barnabas and others, sell their property and possessions and give them to the church. I don’t know if they envied the honor that was bestowed upon those who did this, or if they were just trying to follow their lead. Either way, they messed up. It is good to follow the example of those who live righteous lives and serve the Lord faithfully but honor without sacrifice is not God’s way. The basic moral sin here is that they lied! They knew what was right but somehow they rationalized in their own minds that what they were doing was okay. (Pro. 16:25) “There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” There are no secrets from God. We can fool everyone around us, but we cannot fool Him. Satan always takes the lead when we allow our will to take precedence over God’s will. Thus, the punishment is sudden and severe. Both die and are carried out and buried within a few hours of each other.
You may think that God was far too harsh in his dealing with these men. Some might say, “The punishment didn’t fit the crime.” There are many areas of service in which we can honor, and worship our Lord. However, both must be based on His Word, and done in the manner that God has commanded it to be done, or it is for naught. No matter how good our intentions may be, we still have to follow God’s commands. It does not matter if we can justify our actions to ourselves, or others. It only matters that our actions glorify God. He has given us specific instructions on “how and by whom” the service is to be done. He even instructs on the “where and when” of our worship. Just because we “mean well” does not mean that God has to accept it. Good intentions do not secure the blessings of God. God is looking for people to worship Him, but He commands that it be done in spirit and in truth. No one can be a good servant of God unless they are willing to follow the rules given in His Word.
Titus 1:16, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
