SCRIPTURE: Joshua 7:1-15
OBSERVATION:
Notice how one person’s sin affects the whole community. We may see this as unfair, but it is still a reality. One bad apple can spoil the whole bushel. Classroom privileges are revoked because of a few kids who abused them. Laws are made because of a few turkeys who make them necessary. Ride Checks are required for everyone because of the few people who make poor choices. Children raised in dysfunctional homes turn around and harm others. Think of the soldiers who died at Ai because of Achan’s folly.
We may say this is unfair, but it is also reality. Like leaven, sin has a poisonous, cancerous affect. How aggressively do doctors attack the first sign of cancer, in the hope of keeping it from getting worse. We may say that God is over-reacting, but again, if we knew what He knew, we would react the same. Sin (immorality, selfishness, greed, deception, etc.) is much more serious than we think it is, and make no mistake, it affects a lot of people.
APPLICATION:
Where am I belittling my sin? Where am I sneaking in selfish, cruel or immoral pleasures, assuming that God won’t notice, or that its too small to be of concern to God or of harm to others? Do I realize the huge implications of my choices (even the seemingly insignificant ones)? I can think of a few areas where I need to repent, to change my heart and ways.
PRAYER:
Lord, You have a knack for putting Your finger on those places that I need to change. Help me deal with them, and not dismiss them or bury them, hoping that they’ll go away. Help me repent. Amen.