When was the last time you had to deal with the natural consequences of a bad choice?
As a parent, there are generally two ways I discipline my kids. Sometimes I impose a consequence for their actions, such as sitting in time out or losing electronics for the day. Other times, however, I don’t have to impose anything. Nature takes care of it for me. I simply have to get out the way, just not step in and prevent the natural consequence.
Sin has natural consequences both here on earth and in eternity.
If you rob a bank, you may end up in jail. If you lie to a friend, you may lose that friendship. If you steal from work, you may get fired. These are natural consequences.
Of course, these are all temporary consequences. They will end at some point. The biggest consequence of our sin is eternal condemnation.
God will often allow the temporary natural consequences in order to draw us to Himself.
Even this discipline is out of love. The Scriptures tell us that God disciplines those whom He loves like a father disciplines his children.