Lesser of two evils?

Is a life of strict and disciplined obedience to God the lesser of two evils?

Many people fear rebelling against God and provoking His discipline. So they try to obey Him as little as possible to avoid this chastening.

They believe life focused on obeying all God’s commandments, all the time, would ruin their lives and take away all their pleasures. People may not say it this way, but it is what many believe. Their behavior shows it.

People have always believed this way.

Malachi 1:13-14 KJV

[13] Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord.

[14] But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

However, diligent obedience to God is the most joyful, prosperous life possible, far beyond what people imagine.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 KJV

[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Psalm 16:11 KJV

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

It is a rare honor and privilege to serve God, to please God by your obedience. If you aim to please yourself, you will mostly fail. On the other hand, if you aim to please God instead, your life will be filled up with all kinds of pleasures, many of which you never expected or even knew about. God has new pleasures for His people, pleasures most people never experience.

Hebrews 11:6 KJV

[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.