Psalm 106:34-36
They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

Incomplete obedience has consequences, sometimes severe and long-lasting ones. The effects are often cumulative and can endure for a lifetime and beyond. That one thing that may not have seemed important at the time affected the whole course of the nation of Israel and was indeed a thorn to them and led to their destruction. So it is in our lives. The results of disobedience are often passed down, and the whole length of our life can be affected by one wrong decision. It can be something that hinders us and our family for a long time.

In not destroying all the nations as God commanded them, the people of Israel instead mingled among them. They were part of something they should have never been a part of. And as a result of that, they learned things they never should have learned about. They abandoned God and turned to idols and continued to rebuild their altars and their groves and their high places for centuries. We, too, can get into trouble if we mix into the world instead of being separate like we were commanded to be. We may take after their evil ways instead of remaining faithful to God and what He has asked us to do. And if we’re not careful, we’ll start bowing down to the same idols that we see them worshiping.

God had good reason to command that these nations be destroyed. He knew that their evil ways would contaminate His people. He saw the path they would follow. And He knew about the judgment He would have to bring on the future generations for that one long-ago act of disobedience. God knows what is best for us, and He’s given us specific commands for a reason. He knows they are ultimately for our benefit, even if we can’t understand their purpose. He knows the consequences we will have to face if we don’t do what He’s asked, and He wants to spare us any unnecessary sorrow and pain.

Is there some area of our lives where we’re disobeying God? Have we understood His command and then made a choice not to follow through completely? Have we left something undone? If so, let us seek to make it right. Let’s not wait any longer to go forward and complete the task. Let’s stop refusing to do what we know God wants us to do. In doing so, not only will we spare ourselves from future trouble, but we will honor God by showing Him we are willing to obey.