Chapter 19

THE CURSE OF DISOBEDIENCE

         "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Sam. 15:23).

         There is no theme in the blessed Book of God which converts need to be impressed with more frequently than the "Curse of Disobedience." It matters not how thoroughly we are saved or how high up the ladder of piety we may ascend, our continuance in the way of God depends wholly and solely upon our constant obedience. There is no place along our Christian pilgrimage where past obedience will atone for present disobedience. The Word tells us: "When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered" (Ezek. 3:20).

         It will be of infinite benefit to newly converted souls to frequently take a retrospect of the disastrous trail of disobedience and notice how it destroyed the unclouded bliss of Adam and Eve; drowned the old world; burned the cities of the plain; turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt; buried Korah, Dothan and Abiram alive; slew Nadab and Abihu; stoned Achan; slew Balaam, the disobedient prophet; and wrecked Saul, the pioneer king of Israel, and brought disaster upon all who practiced it.

         Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21).

         Reader, your future success and happiness wholly depend upon your constant obedience to God.