Psalm 112: Consequences of Godliness

Blessings and good things come as natural consequences to those who keep the commandments and live a generally righteous life. Consequences are not rewards and punishments like getting a cookie or being put in time out (or going to heaven or hell). Consequences have to do with cause and effect, the natural beneficial or harmful results of thought and behavior.

Since we do not usually see unintended consequences God was gracious to give us rules. Break the rules and it ends badly; keep the laws and it turns out well. Life is that simple: “Blessed is the man that delights in His commandments.” It is Sin and Satan that make it complicated.

One would think that selfish desire would motivate humans to obey God’s Law since it brings blessings. The problem is that sinful man believes the Lie instead of the Truth. For example, lying and stealing appear to give immediate benefits: so lies the Enemy. Our Friend tells the Truth: such sins always, without fail, cause bad things; honesty and generosity always bring blessings.

Law motivation does not work because we live by sight not by faith. Motivation comes from the Spirit who gives faith in the forgiveness, love, kindness, compassion, mercy, and grace of God. The Gospel is the power.