Numbers 31:8
“They killed the kings of Midian along with the rest of their slain: Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the five kings of Midian; they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.”
Balaam was a prophet of God. However, he was living in disobediance to God. His greed caused him to give ungodly advice. The kings of Midian followed this advice to have Israel cursed. Many Israelites died because of Balaam’s advice. Otherwise, he may have been spared.
I Corinthian’s 5 contains a description of immorality in the church. Paul says in verse 5, “I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” His ungodly lifestyle led to an early death.
Our actions could do the same. Some of our involvement may be foolish. Riding motorcycles on the freeway. There is nothing ungodly about this. It’s reckless. Today’s topic is referring to a sinful life that a christian lives and how that may lead to a premature end.
Paul’s rationale is to destroy the body to save the soul. I could also understand that someone dies to stop the corruption spread. They may influence their children or others in a negative way.
Am I sinning in such a way? Hopefully not. I certainly sin and make mistakes. I hope for God’s mercy and patience. I pray for mercy for me to see and the power to stop such sin. I also pray mercy for those around me, that if I am a bad example, it wouldn’t be contagious.
Lord, thank You for Your patience. Give us Your grace and mercy to walk more uprightly with You.