I have a house under construction for a guy who is turning out to be a bit of a pain. He had asked if he could install a small shop on the property before the house is finished, but I told him no because I don’t want to be responsible if it doesn’t comply with building codes.
Well, he contacted the building official at the city and talked it over, then called me back and promised that there would be no problem. He was very persistent, so I allowed him to do it, on the condition that he knew that if there are any issues, he is responsible to take care of them. After all, I want every homeowner to have a pleasant experience during the construction phase of their new home.
Well, guess what. Just as I suspected, the guy didn’t follow the building code. The minimum setback from the property line is 5′ and he had his shop built about 2′ away. The building inspector saw it immediately and said there was no way he would issue the certificate of occupancy until it’s moved. He was especially upset because they had specifically discussed the setback requirements.
Unfortunately for the homeowner, it’s going to be a big and expensive job to get it right.
Sometimes, in special situations, the inspectors have been known to work with homeowners and even look the other way, when they can see that a person has really tried to do their best and that there isn’t a life/safety concern. But when they knew what they could or could not do, and violate code anyway, then they are less likely to afford any clemency.
Jesus taught that the more we know about God and His commands, the more accountable we are to Him.
I talk to people all the time who think that because they have read their Bible or because they went to church before, that somehow that qualifies them to have an easier time with God on judgment day, even though they know that they are living in direct disobedience to His word.
The sad reality is that those people will actually have it worse than those who are completely ignorant.
Hear what Jesus says in Luke 12:47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Isn’t it true that when someone knows what is expected of them, be it a spouse, a child, a student, an employee, etc., and yet doesn’t bother to do it, it is especially more offensive than if they hadn’t known?
God doesn’t like it either when you and I know what we ought to be doing, yet we are selfish, lazy or indifferent.
James 4:17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
Are there areas in your life where you are living in direct disobedience to God? Whether they are things you are doing that you shouldn’t be, or things that you should be doing but aren’t, identify those things today and confess them. Then, empowered by the Holy Spirit, walk in obedience to God’s perfect will for your life.
God is ready and willing to forgive if you’ll ask Him. Go for it!