"You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:4-6
The parenthetical statement continues with a curse and a blessing…
Here is a basic concept that directs human behavior. Picture three columns. In the middle column is a list of responsibilities—behaviors that are commanded/expected. Responsibilities are to be realistic, and must be made clear so that individuals know and understand what is commanded/expected of them.
In the right column is a list of privileges—rewards for fulfilling the responsibilities listed in the center column. Please note: these are privileges, not rights. They must be earned by fulfilling the responsibilities listed in the center column.
In the left column is a list of consequences—repercussions for not fulfilling the responsibilities listed in the center column. Please note: consequences are not merely the loss of privileges, they are penalties for irresponsibility. Note that consequences must (a) fit the infraction—never more than an eye for an eye, for instance. Consequences must also be (b) consequential. If they are not, there will be little or no fear of consequences that provide incentive for acting responsibly.
Application #1. This is what God says regarding our responsibility to obey His law. Those who disobey will suffer the consequences of His wrath. Those who obey will enjoy the privileges of His blessing. And be sure to note: Obedience does not earn salvation. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, received by faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone!
Application #2. This is the basis of child rearing and discipline. Failure by parents to lovingly uphold the concepts of this three-column system will harm, rather than help their children. (See Proverbs 13:24.)
Application #3. This is also the basis of biblical civil jurisprudence. Any society that does not follow this model set forth by God will suffer moral chaos and eventual destruction, and ultimately God’s judgment. (See Romans 13:1-5). Sadly, our nation is in the midst of rejecting this model and is beginning to experience the consequences.