The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. Deuteronomy 19:20
Why is the fear of consequence not enough to keep us out of trouble? Moses told the people how to treat a malicious witness, expecting that the consequence for lying under oath would keep others from doing it. But how many people ignore the consequence and proceed where they shouldn't?
We live in a world that is plagued with diseases that are transmitted by inappropriate sexual practices, yet many disregard the consequence. One act of pleasure can result in years of torment and eventual death.
We live in a world where marriages and families are destroyed by secret affairs. The infatuation with one person can destroy the lives of many. It may not be worth the consequence, but still divorce is rampant.
Lord, I don't want to live a life in fear of consequence. For too long I have seemed frozen by fear; it keeps me from truly living. Yet what the world presents as life only leads to death. I need Your wisdom to live without this fear of the consequence. If I am walking in Your will, there is nothing to fear.
Father, give me eyes to see. Keep me from those things that would destroy me. Help me to choose rightly because I love you - not only in the fear of death.