We recognize that every effect has a cause. The law applies in physics, and it applies in other areas of life as well.
The law of cause and effect is established in the statement of Paul in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death…” Sin is the cause, death is the effect.
The law of cause and effect is behind Paul’s statement to the Galatians, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (6:7).
Amazingly, men do not seem to understand the universality of this truth. Either they seem confused at the consequences which come from bad decisions, or else they engage in their activities with the unrealistic belief that such ungodliness will go unpunished. How else can one explain the willingness of the wicked to again and again make the same decisions, which result (again and again) in pain and suffering. Perhaps such confusion is understandable in the young, who have not experienced the sting of sin’s consequences. However, for the incorrigible, the only explanation is that they are fools. “To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom” (Proverbs 10:23).
Why is there so much immorality in the world today? Because men have forgotten God. “Professing to be wise, they became fools”… “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness…” (Romans 1:22, 28-29a).
Why are there so many different “faiths” today? Because men are willful, disinclined to submit themselves to God’s directives. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up to themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Why do some Christians fall away? Because they do not diligently apply themselves to grow in the Christian graces. “For he who lacks these things [the graces] is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9).
In conclusion, note a final Cause and Effect relationship. [Cause] “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure”… [Effect] “for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).
Do you want to go to heaven? Then cause it to happen by living diligently for Jesus while on the earth!
