An Israelite man called Achan led his family to sin against God, and their action led to the downfall of his entire nation. Israelites lost God’s presence, and they suffered terrible defeat from some less significant enemies. However, God revealed the hidden secret to Joshua and said,
“Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. ” (Joshua 7:10-12)
Lesson:
God prioritizes holiness, and all his Children must be holy before they can enjoy his guaranteed security. No child of God should live in sin and expect God’s grace to abide! God’s principle is ever simple and the same: He will relate with a person who confesses and forsakes his/her sinful habits, but he will keep a distant relationship with anyone who persists in sin. Moreover, Christians should not attempt to trick God with “casual holiness.” The Creator cannot be deceived and he will insist on his call for holiness. That is, God may still not appreciate us even when we have beautifully dressed and presented large offerings in the church – until we have practiced his required holiness. God will only accept our offerings when he has abstained from sin and consciously live in holiness.
Prayer:
Dear God, please help me to be conscious of holiness and maintain a clean relationship with you always. Guide my steps from falling into sin, so that devil will not take advantage of me. Let me exercise genuine repentance whenever I sin, and let me obtain your forgiveness. Please give me a heart that consciously follows your rules so that I can prosper throughout the days of my life, and also be acceptable to your kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
