Learning from Bad Examples

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us.

1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV

I find it very encouraging that God included real life, flesh and blood, sinful people in His Word. David committed adultery, Abraham lied about his wife the list goes on and on. Why are they in the Bible? So we will learn from their wrongdoings.

One lesson is that sin always has consequences. Take David. He was a great leader and a good man in many ways. But over the years he became complacent, and instead of carrying out his responsibilities, he fell into immorality (2 Samuel 11–12).

And consider the tragic consequences of his sin. Not only did the child born of that illicit union die, but David committed other sins lying, murder in a vain attempt to cover up his adultery. Furthermore, his influence for good was lost, and his latter years as king were marked by rebellion and tragedy.

God has much to teach us from the examples of His people who failed. But most of all His Word points us to Christ, who alone can forgive us and set our feet on the right path.

Stay blessed always in Christ Jesus.