We’ve all heard it from someone or other, I’m sure, “Why is God such a kill-joy?” It’s usually a question asked by someone who wants to partake, or wants you to partake with them, in a sinful behavior. The common perception is that “sin” is fun and that doing right is at best, well, boring. But that is the World’s culture speaking, and as usual it’s wrong. Dead wrong.

In the 2009 movie The Box a married couple receives a gift, or possibly a curse. A small wooden box arrives on their doorstep and with it a tempting offer. Should they decide to open the box they will receive a million dollars, but someone whom they do not know will die. The alternative is to do nothing with the box, continue living life as they have been. They may not have riches, but their conscience is clear. Can one have fun with a million dollars? Sure, but can you have fun with that kind of money knowing that you are responsible for killing someone to get it?

Unfortunately in real life the terms of sordid gain are not so clearly laid out. There are of course natural consequences for sin. Drunkenness results in a failed liver and an early death. Sex outside of marriage can result in jealously, disease, broken homes and marriages, unwanted pregnancy, and perhaps the death of that unplanned child. Drug use can result in failed body organs, reduced mental capacity and death. Those who regularly attend strip clubs or watch pornography may report depression, social isolation, decreased productivity, or financial consequences. Every sin has its natural consequence and it’s never anything “fun”.

There is a second consequence of sin, separation from God. While Christians are always a part of the family of God, our relationship with him suffers when we entertain unholy desires. Sin may be entertaining in the moment, but a right relationship with your Creator in more than fun, it brings joy and peace to one’s life.

Then there is the third consequence of our sin that largely goes forgotten. It’s understandable for unbeliever’s to not factor in this consequence, but it is deplorable for a follower of Jesus to do so. If you have ever seen Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion then you have witnessed the cruelty and pain Jesus underwent to secure our salvation. Beaten, his skin flayed, nailed to a piece of wood, suffocated… A theology professor of mine once noted that he was glad Jesus’ physical injuries, with the exception of the nail marks and single stab wound, were not carried over to his resurrected body. Seeing all that Jesus went through for us for all eternity would ruin heaven.

Aside from the physical abuses, which were horrible enough, he also endured separation from the Father, hell, and having his holy nature covered by all our sins. These relational and spiritual aspects of Christ’s death are undoubtedly worse than even the physical. Every moment we would have spent in hell for our sins were instead endured by the Messiah. We can’t even imagine the horrors. The next time we consider sinning against God we ought to recognize that we are piling onto all the pain that Jesus took upon himself. I’m not trying to guilt anyone into living rightly, only explain in full the aftermath of sin. Disobedience isn’t a thrill ride, it isn’t “fun” and it isn’t without consequence.

Instead of listening to World Culture, we can take our eyes off sinful desires and onto amoral pleasures. Boating, scuba diving, hiking, fishing, target shooting, horseback riding, gardening, photography, writing, scrapbooking, geocaching, woodworking, teaching, and researching family genealogy are just a few examples of ways to have fun that don’t carry with them the consequences of sin. Then there are moral activities like praying for others, helping those in need, giving time and/or money to causes and, as Saint James states, caring for widows and orphans to name a few. All these activities are a part of Kingdom Culture, and against these things there are no laws.