The will of God is not always the most popular way to live and we often think that prescriptions in the word for how to live are outdated and antiquated. God can see ahead of time and there is a reason why he prescribed marriage and the family structure to raise children for example.
God likened disobedience to the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness he compared it to wickedness and idolatry. (1 Samuel 15:23) It was because of disobedience that God rejected Saul and his continued rebellion led to the fall of his kingdom and eventual death.
Now even if we have rebelled against God He is waiting to forgive us and restore us to himself. This when we confess our sins to him, repent and return to walking in his will. A life of continual disobedience however leads to death and separation from God. (Romans 6:23) I am sorry that I cannot put this in any nicer terms, to appease our 21st century sense of political correctness, but the word of God does not change. In the same way parents reward their children when they are obedient and punish disobedience, God also disciplines the children that he loves. (Hebrews 12:6)
I am not saying that every trial is due to disobedience as some suffering is redemptive to bring about God’s glory in us and draws us closer to himself. Other times our challenges are a direct result of our lack of obedience to God’s will and plan for our lives. There are benefits to living for God and the children of the righteous man are never forsaken or seen begging for bread. (Psalm 37:25) Put God first and he will add what you need.
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 