Last week I set the stage in this post for the remaining 7 posts in this series.  Each of the 7 posts will address a myth that singles must resist.  As you read each myth, keep in mind that Satan is real, the Fall of Man is real, you are in a Spiritual battle for your mind, your body and your perspective, and you must use your weapons!  The take away from today’s post:  God is Perfect Justice.  Okay, here we go!

Myth #1:  Other people are getting away with sin/sex is Consequence-free.

In my book, the chapter that addresses this myth is called “No One Is Getting Away With Anything.”  In this chapter, I share the statistics of sexual sin, cohabitation and contraception as well as the fallout of those sins on society. I share overall trends that I have noticed over time.  And, I share specific stories but change the details enough to protect the good reputation of others. 

What I have noticed is that the suffering from cohabitation, fornication and contraception does not always happen right away.  Sin is tricky that way.  It looks all fine and dandy at first in order to lure us in.  The goal is to make us think we are not doing anything wrong and that there will be no consequences.  But, sins’ purpose is to destroy us and make us suffer.  It takes its sweet time but you can depend upon it.

But, what about those of you who are waiting patiently and chastely?  Why does it seem that others are going about their business, fornicating, living together, getting big diamond rings, getting married, contracepting and then having babies on demand without any consequences?  Well, I want to reassure you that no one is getting away with anything. Give it time. It is a natural spiritual law.  We go against our design, we suffer.  In order to be redeemed, we suffer.

Not So Fine And Dandy

What you, young reader, are observing is the “fine and dandy” part and it may be leading you to believe that other people are getting away with these sins.  But, rest assured, the destruction and suffering will come.  I don’t say that in a way that takes delight in their future suffering.  I say it as a truth that I would encourage you to meditate on as you make your decisions in the future regarding chastity.

If you are tempted to move in with your boyfriend, fornicate or contracept before or after marriage and if you falsely believe there will be no consequences, this myth-buster is for you. 

The Benefit Of Age

In my book I share stories of situations where people seem to be getting away with sin.  I also share the ‘here is what happened later’ details. I have this insight and perspective because I have 10, 15, maybe even 20 years on most of you reading this blog. 

But, instead of giving you those ‘here is what happened to those sinners’ details, let’s instead go through this truth logically by acknowledging God’s character:  God is perfectly just, patient, merciful and determined to have us with Him in heaven. 

The Character of God

God’s perfect justice is the good news and the bad news.  It is good because we can count on Him to sort it all out and ensure the no one gets away with anything.  It is bad because we are also subject to His perfect justice.  God set up laws that we must follow.  But, like any loving Father, He ensures that with disobedience comes consequences and with obedience comes reward.

God is the very definition of Perfect Justice.  He set up laws and each one has a purpose.  He then lovingly enforces the laws and allows for the consequences to manifest themselves.  But, we do not know ahead of time how He will enforce the law or the timing of the consequences of our sins. So, our limited perspective leads us to believe that others are getting away with sin.  But, we must remember, His ways are not our ways. 

God’s patience is what keeps Him from enacting harsh consequences on us immediately upon our sin.  His mercy gives us a chance to repent.  But, His determination prevents Him from letting us get away with our sin.  So, God set up a system that kicks in when we go against our design.  This system, or natural law, when violated, is often revealed in suffering and destruction.

We are not designed to cohabitate, fornicate or contracept.  When we do, His system of loving consequences kicks in.

Loving Consequences

There are other laws you might recognize such as the scientific laws of gravity, physics and thermodynamics. For example, if you jump off of a bridge, the law of gravity automatically kicks in.  It doesn’t matter if you are a good person or a bad person.  You will fall toward the earth. It is a negative consequence that results from going against the physical law of gravity. 

The natural spiritual laws and the consequences of what we do with our bodies are also automatic.  There is no need for God to “manage” the affairs in this area and dole out punishment.  He already set up the system to protect us from going against our design and this same system results in negative consequences when we do go against our design. 

Again, these natural spiritual laws were put in place to protect us when we start to creep toward danger.  The same laws teach us through negative consequences when we violate them. 

But, most importantly, these laws allow us to be holy and therefore happy, when we obey them.  Because we are working within our design rather than constantly suffering from consequences, we are happy and content.  We are ‘at one’ with our bodies and ‘at one’ with our Maker Who loves us and allows us to suffer the consequences when we separate ourselves from Him through sin.

Unlike the laws of gravity, the consequences of violating these natural laws don’t always kick in immediately.  So, for a time, people may appear to be getting away with sin. 

Where Is My Reward?

I wish I could guarantee you that your obedience is going to result in a reward designed by you.  But, I can’t.  God is not a vending machine.  We cannot drop in our coins of obedience and then select the reward buttons we desire expecting them to drop to the bottom for us to grab.

I also cannot guarantee that you will witness God’s perfect justice played out in consequences for those that cohabitate, fornicate and contracept.  Their life here on earth may appear to be completely consequence-free.  But, remind yourself that you do not have the inside scoop nor do you know the end of the story. Don’t let pride and conceit enter your heart.  Humbly take your eyes off of them.  It is not your business.  Close your eyes and remind yourself of God’s perfect justice and that thankfully, He chases all of us.

 The Blessing Or The Curse

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.  The blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day; And the curse if you will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you this day to go after other gods, which you have not known.”   Deuteronomy 11:26-28

 I know a holy Jewish man who always says with a smile, “Your reward will be your lack of punishment.”   I have the type of personality which thinks that is a pretty good deal.  I don’t want punishment.  I want to know what is expected of me by my Loving Father.  And, I can accept that the blessing that comes from doing what is expected of me will be my reward. The reward will be that I will be in a loving relationship, rather than a rebellious relationship with my Maker and my body.  I can choose this blessing.

I don’t want to mislead you.  Chastity and my Veil theory are not a formula for getting what you want. Instead, the concept is offered as a way of encouraging you to stay in His will.  He wants you there. It matters to Him.  You matter to Him.  He has a plan for you that can only be manifested by your obedience.  Are you not curious to see what He has for you?  Apply your God-given gift of free will and choose obedience.  Choose the blessing and not the curse. 

Yes, others are going to cohabitate, fornicate and contracept.  I had to learn to take my eyes off them.  I had to trust that God loves them too and that His perfect justice will prevail. I had to learn that, sometimes, their story of repentance and redemption is just as beautiful as a life of obedience.

None of us are designed to cohabitate, fornicate or contracept and none of us will get away with unrepented sin.  Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.  Do not look around and wonder why others seem to be getting away with sin.  Keep your mind bathed in the truth of Sacred Scripture.  And, keep your body holy through Chastity and the grace of a Sacramental life.

God bless!

**  In two weeks I will present the Myth#2:  God has forgotten about me

**  Next Week:  Guest blogger Amanda from worthyofAgape.com will share her gorgeous ‘God chases all of us’ story.  Have your tissues ready!

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