Disobedience by Way of Unbelief

Throughout the scriptures, we find examples of disobedience from Israel and we find how God views disobedience and what he does with it. Disobedience can exist in simple form or in extreme form. An example I will use is found in Numbers 20 in the Old Testament and with that example, it shows that disobedience can result in serious consequences. The importance of speaking on this matter is crucial for these latter days when our faith is going to be challenged and tested severely. Some may differ with this reference of "severe", but I assure you that once you "experience" such a test you will see that it goes straight to the bone and spins your faith like a blender. This type of test does not require a ground shaking event in a temporal sense. All that it requires is a spiritual spike through you, which means by impression, feeling, experience, even by thought, and a simple minor temporal event would be more than sufficent.

Having said that, if you could now pull out your Bible (preferably the King James version), and turn to Numbers 20. Please read the entire chapter and then return to this web page.

In chapter 20 of Numbers, it describes the results of disobedience, by way of unbelief. It began with the congregation, under the prophet Moses, when they murmured against Moses because of their affliction. The people spake against Moses for water, and complained because of the barren nature of the land. Moses left the congregation and entered the tabernacle ("tent of meeting") and prayed to the Lord. The Lord spoke with Moses and gave clear instruction of what he (Moses) was to do.

What the Lord was dealing with was the wickedness called disobedience created by unbelief, as displayed by the congregation. It was for that reason that the Lord gave Moses an exact instruction, because it was to be an example unto the people to establish the Lord with them (Num. 20:8,12). The Lord instructed Moses to "speak" to the rock. Instead Moses smote the rock with his rod. This displeased the Lord because of disobedience by way of unbelief. As a result, the Lord denied Moses and the people entry into land given by him (God). Disobedience, even by way of unbelief can lead to serious consequences for any person or group.

It was because of unbelief that sat within the people and within Moses that the Lord saw fit to bring the affliction upon them. It is through trials, affliction and tribulation that the Lord, (using his own words) "sanctifies himself in the eyes" of the faithful. The outward circumstances, in this example the barren land, did not cause or encourage disbelief. Such circumstances "raised" the disbelief from within them (Ezekiel 11:19-21).

Remember the words of Jesus Christ, that what defiles us does not come from the outside of us, but from within. (Mark 7:15,18) To think that outside circumstances "causes" us to disbelieve, or causes us to be disobedient is the same as saying that free will and choice is controlled by anything outside of ourselves. If this was so, then the call to repentance would have no purpose because free will and choice would not exist.

Since free will and choice does exist and we do, each, have full control over it, then disobedience is from our manner of choice. Our choice to believe or disbelieve, to have and exercise faith or not.

Disobedience Leads to Reaping the Same

When you read further into Numbers 20, you will find that when Moses and the people tried to ask passage through a land controlled by Edom and were refused. Reading back to Numbers 20:12, God did say that because of disobedience, Moses and the congregation were prohibited from entering the land he (God) has prepared for them. The experience they had with Edom is reflective of that decree by God, who confirmed to them by way of a life experience that their disobedience was not acceptable. This is how God interacts with us. It is from his basic principle of what we sow, so shall we reap (Gal. 6:7), and all of us are responsible for our actions (Num. 14:18), atonement or not. Of course, that was not the end of the lesson as willed by the Lord. Moses and Aaron were commanded to attend the top of Mount Hor and there, Aaron was stripped of his priesthood garments and Aaron died on that mount. Showing us that disobedience by unbelief can cause the loss of the priesthood.

Hardships can also become worst. The affliction (or struggles) sent to them from the Lord was for their spiritual benefit, but because of disobedience, matters got worst. This supports the principles found in – 1 Pet. 3:17 / 2 Cor. 7:10 / Philip. 2:12, in regards to suffering for the Lord. Granted, at the time of the Old Testament, these people were not aware of these principles, but by the actions from the Lord they were taught. For us in this present, we have the benefit of reading the truth and have the advantage of learning from such examples as read in the gospel

The principles in Cor 7:10 speaks of the consequences of, and responsibilities to choice. To choose to endure and obey, be faithful in all suffering, it will be to our benefit and salvation. To disobey, become arrogant as were the people under Moses, wicked and defiant, even self-justify acts of unbelief, then matters will get worst and will serve to our spiritual death, as it did for many in the congregation, for a prophet (Moses) and for Aaron. No one is exempt from these principles of responsibility.

Therefore, even though Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, we are not exempt from the principles of faith, obedience and belief, and each of us will suffer if we are unfaithful, disobedient and unbelieving (Romans 11:19-21), not only toward the Lord, but also toward his prophet or apostles of his Church (D&C 138:32).

The people suffered for their unbelief in the prophet, which is the same as unbelief in God. Moses suffered for his unbelief and trust in the word of the Lord. Showing that revelation is not a guarantee you will do rightly, unless you pay attention to what you do and say, remaining steadfast in sincere and humble faith, belief and obedience.

Amen
Mark Warbinek