Do Not Think All Sins Go Unpunished In This Life

By Matthew Clark

The Title of this post is from a line spoken in the 1995 film Rob Roy. It is one of my favourites from any movie. It is delivered by John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll (portrayed by actor Andrew Keir) to James Graham, Marquess of Montrose (ably played by John Hurt). In the story Montrose has slandered Argyll at the British royal court by suggesting Argyll is a Jacobite, a treasonous charge since the Jacobites were dynastic rivals to the then occupiers of the British crown. Montrose has attempted to give substance to his assertions by offering Highlander Rob Roy forgiveness of the debt (100 pounds) Roy owes him if he verifies the charge against Argyll. As a matter of honour the Highlander refuses to do so, thereby earning the spleen of James Graham. When the Duke of Argyll learns of Montrose machinations he calls his fellow aristocrat to account. Montrose tries to wiggle out of his predicament, all to no avail as Argyll is too strong in character to be fooled by the scheming Marquess.

What adds substance to the Scottish aristocrats comment is that it challenges a belief shared by most people, including most Christians, on this planet. What is that belief?

That if one is to gain earthly advantage an effective tactic is to act immorally. Reprecussion from sinful actions will be dire in the afterlife, yet on this earth such problematic behaviour can bring immense temporal benefits. Inferred in this notion is that God, while making judgement on an individuals conduct, withholds sentancing until the Grim Reaper has executed another successful harvest.

Is this true?

Arguably the evidence often suggests otherwise. If being malevolent was a requirement for success in this life then Hitler, or Stalin, or Mao Zedong would have conquered the world. Instead Hitler blew his brains out, Stalin died of a brain hemorrage alone in his room while his subordinates loitered outside that room, too frightened to render him any assistance. Mao had most probably succumbed to madness (according to Zhou EnLia, number 2 in the Chinese Communist Part hierarchy) in the last years of his life. At the time of his demise his fourth wife was busy planning on how to profit (in political power terms) from her husbands earthly departure.

Any reading of the Bible's old testament reveals that the almighty punished the Israelis many times for their wayward actions. The kings of Babylon profited the most from Israeli transgressions as their armed forces conquered Israel on several occasions. Yet as powerful as they were the Babylonian monarchs also suffered from Gods' wrath. A case in point is what transpired when king Nebuchadezzar indulged in some egregious practices against Gods wishes.

" The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar (Babylonian ruler), and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was met with the dew of heaven, till his hairs had grown like eagles feathers, and his nails like birds claws. (Daniel 433)

It is not only Pagans and Jews who pay for their malignant behaviour. All peoples do, including Christians. When the Eastern Roman Empire slid into idolatry (in their case Emperor worship) they had to suffer through the conquest of their lands by Islamic forces.

In the world of high tech, figures such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have indulged in some fairly dubious exercises. Zuckerberg has allowed his social media platforms (by his own admission) to practice censorship, while Gates has been ruthless in his pursuits against business rivals. Each of these men possess wealth most of us (including myself) can only dream about (admittedly I do dream about it). Nevertheless their lives jump from one crisis to another. Each man faces endles legal troubles while also having to humilate themselves before their political masters. A case in point is the recent amicable appearance(s) both men had with United States President Donald Trump, a man each had previously expressed loathing for. In both situations the high tech guru's grovelled before the American commander in chief, hoping to catch his favour. Gates and Zuckerbergs plight is all to common among the high tech and business elite of the globe.

Acting in an evil manner is usually a counter productive tactic. Why? From a temporal point of view human beings rally together to counter these wrongful ways. Unlike the Borg, resistance is not futile. It eventually usually works out to be quite effective. From a celestial viewpoint the equasion is just as direct. God has made his judgement on an individuals behaviour and in some way executes justice in this world, as well as the NEXT!

As individuals who benefit from free will and free choice let us stop encouraging the idea immorality is ever an advantage. It is not! The Christian God has made that abundantly evident!