Numbers 32:23 “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”
In the context of this verse, Moses was warning some tribes of Israel to do as they promised. They told Moses that they would go armed before the rest of the tribes to war once they enter Canaan. It meant that their tribes would be on the front lines of every battle.
In response, Moses gives them a warning that is just as applicable today as it was back then. These tribes volunteered to be at the forefront of the battles until there was peace and the land had been conquered. Moses warned them that there would be consequences if they did not fulfill their word.
Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 5:5, gives a similar warning: “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” The result of not fulfilling your promise to God is: “be sure your sin will find you out.”
God lets sin have its way in our lives if we do not obey Him. Although it may seem like you are getting away with sin for a time – whether private or public – there will be a price to pay sooner or later!
Payday will come someday! You cannot mock God and disobey Him and get away with it – whether you are saved or not. The saved will be chastised for it, and the unsaved will have all their sins exposed on Judgment Day and then be cast into Hell.
It really does not end there for the child of God. King David is an example. His sin with Bathsheba, and murder of her husband – which he thought only a couple of people knew about – was exposed to the whole nation! Two of his sons later rebelled against him and tried to become king.
When Christians do not go to church – their children probably will not go to church after they leave home, either – and may never be saved. What a horrible price to pay to think that you were responsible for their damnation!
If you have private sin – it affects those around you more than you might think – even if they do not know about your specific sin. So many divorces take place today for this reason – sowing and reaping at play: “be sure your sin will find you out.”
Christian friend, if you harbor some pet sin, why not ask God to help you have victory over it and draw close to Him. The blessing for being what He wants will give you far greater joy and satisfaction in life than sin ever will. He loves you and wants you to have His best. Remember, God gives no rewards for sin in Heaven!