“If you do what you are asked not to do, you get what you do not want to get.” This timeless piece of wisdom resonates deeply with the principles found in the Bible. It reflects a spiritual truth: obedience to God leads to blessings, while disobedience leads to consequences often unforeseen and undesirable.
The Fall of Humanity: A Perfect Illustration
The first and perhaps most illustrative example of this truth is found in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God gave Adam and Eve a clear command: they could eat from any tree in the garden except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. However, tempted by the serpent, they chose to disobey. By doing what they were explicitly asked not to do, they faced devastating consequences—the loss of their perfect communion with God, banishment from Eden, and the introduction of sin and death into the world.
Israel’s Journey: Blessings and Curses
The story of the Israelites further illustrates this principle. In Deuteronomy 28, God lays out a clear path before them: obedience would bring blessings, but disobedience would result in curses. When the Israelites obeyed, they prospered and thrived under God’s protection. However, their frequent lapses into idolatry and rebellion brought calamity—captivity, famine, and suffering.
One stark example is the golden calf incident (Exodus 32). God had commanded them not to make idols, yet they disobeyed while Moses was on Mount Sinai. Their actions led to severe consequences, including death and the breaking of their covenant relationship.
The Power of Choice: Free Will and Responsibility
The Bible consistently emphasizes the power of choice. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.” Human beings are given the freedom to choose obedience or rebellion, but every choice carries consequences.
King Saul’s life is another striking example. God instructed him, through the prophet Samuel, to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions (1 Samuel 15). Instead, Saul chose partial obedience, sparing King Agag and the best livestock. This act of disobedience cost him God’s favor and his kingdom.
Jesus’ Teaching on Obedience
In the New Testament, Jesus continually emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word. In John 14:15, He says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” His parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27) reinforces this. The one who hears and obeys His words is like a wise man building on solid rock, while disobedience leads to destruction—just as a house built on sand collapses under pressure.
Hope and Redemption
Yet, the Bible also offers hope for those who have disobeyed. God’s grace is abundant, and repentance restores us to Him. Consider the story of Jonah, who initially disobeyed God’s command to go to Nineveh. His actions led to a perilous storm and time in the belly of a great fish. However, when Jonah repented and obeyed, he witnessed God’s mercy and purpose unfold.
Connecting the Phrase to Our Lives
This principle is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Disobedience—whether in defying God’s commands or ignoring wise counsel—often leads to consequences we never anticipated. Yet, through faith and repentance, there is always a path to restration.
