Our Daily Bread -- No Loose Laces
May 15, 2013
READ:
Joshua
7:1-12
The
children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan
. . . took of the accursed things. —Joshua 7:1
One
person’s actions can affect an entire group. This truth became clear to
journalist Sebastian Junger as he followed a platoon of soldiers. Junger watched
a soldier accost another soldier whose bootlaces were trailing on the ground. He
didn’t confront him out of concern for his fashion. He confronted him because
his loose laces put the entire platoon at risk—he couldn’t be counted on not to
trip and fall at a crucial moment. Junger realized that what happens to one
happens to everyone.
Achan’s
“bootlaces were loose,” and we learn from his story that sin is never private.
After the great victory at Jericho, God gave Joshua specific instructions on how
to deal with the city and its loot (Josh. 6:18). The people were to “abstain
from the accursed things” and to put all the silver and gold “into the treasury
of the Lord” (vv.18-19). But they disobeyed his command
to them (7:1). The interesting thing is, not all of Israel sinned; only one
person did—Achan. But because of his actions, everyone was affected and God was
dishonored.
As
followers of Jesus, we belong to one another and our individual actions can
impact the entire body and God’s name. Let’s “tie up our laces” so that we may
individually and together give God the honor He deserves. —Marvin Williams
Lord,
we know our sin is never private, though we
may try to hide it. Help us to remember that we
belong to You and to one another and that what we do
individually grieves You and impacts fellow Christians.
may try to hide it. Help us to remember that we
belong to You and to one another and that what we do
individually grieves You and impacts fellow Christians.
Private
sins will inevitably have public impact.
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