When we think about the guidance the Bible offers us, it can be really easy for me to focus on the judgement of God. “Do this, or else” might be the way of thinking about it. And if you are defiant, yeah, it can get pretty ugly. But I don’t think that’s God’s preferred message.

He guides us, developing us to be more like Jesus, who was perfect. And it’s not just so we’ll be better people and make Him happier. It makes our lives better too! He knows it’s best for us. That’s why He tells us to do it!

Honor and treasure your spouse, and you’ll be more likely to avoid an expensive painful divorce and enjoy a happy marriage. Treat others the way you want to be treated, and you’ll spend less time fighting and probably have more friends. Don’t stay out drinking until 2:00 in the morning and you’ll feel better the next day and not have to ask your friends to fill you in on what happened.

Some of God’s plans to develop us aren’t quite so obvious to understand. That’s where we have to trust Him and remember He knows a lot more than we do, and whether we see it yet or not, He’s right.