We have so many choices to make and we must live with those choices, whether they are good or bad. God gives us a lot of latitude to make our own choices that do not affect our standing with him and have nothing to do with obedience to his will or his Word. Some of those choices are a decision to obey or disobey and may have eternal consequences.
Making these wrong choices, knowingly and intentionally, is committing a sin. The sin needs to be dealt with, confessed to God, and forgiven. God already knows you sinned, but your confession brings forgiveness, that leads to repentance. It is symbolic of washing your hands and purifying your heart of the sin you have committed. This draws you closer to God, who loves you and cares for you.
As a parent, you design consequences for your child so that when they disobey, they bring the punishment they deserve upon themselves. The punishment is a direct result of their own actions and the consequences are designed to draw them back to you and teach them a life lesson that will keep them safe. That is much the same way with God the Father.
In the same way that you can hear still hear your parents’ voices correcting you when you were a child, listen to God’s voice prompting you when you are tempted to do something that you shouldn’t. Obey God and draw near to him and he will lift you up!
James 4:8 (NLT) - “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”