Dear Church,
 
In Joshua 7, we see Achan, one of the Israelite soldiers. Achan’s greed led him to steal and hide a fortune from the plunder devoted for God. The writer records in 7:1 “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things” as a result the “Lord’s anger burned against Israel”. Why should the whole nation suffer for the greed of one?  In a culture where we promote the idea “Every person for himself or herself” it is quite different to see that one person stole from devoted plunder, the whole nation was guilty until it was dealt with. We see similar themes resonate in the New Testament with the body of Christ (1 Cor 5; Rev 2:12-29). Paul advises Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” (1 Timothy 5:22)
 
So, often we minimize and rationalize our own sin. We say things like ‘we are all sinners’, ‘we all struggle with sin in a broken world’, or ‘none of us are perfect’ – all true but somehow it gives us the impression that it’s ok for us and others to remain in this predicament. When we rationalize our sin, we tell ourselves “rational lies”.
 
Here is the real truth. ‘Sin’ is detestable in God’s sight.  It is so abominable to God that in His love for us, God sent His only begotten son who shed his blood and gave his life to redeem us from sin.  He also gave us the power to defeat sin by gifting us the Holy Spirit.  Have you ever wondered how God could have used you and me if we had repented of some sins earlier?  Sin anesthetizes our spiritual edge, it dulls our desire to be spending time in prayer, be in God’s words and express the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.  When God has called us in Christ to run a marathon, sin is like hobbles on our leg.  Sadly, many of us have got hobbles on our leg.  God desires us to live free.  We must not settle for so much bondage and call it “normal” Christianity.  This morning if the Holy Spirit is convicting you, repent and seek forgiveness for your sins, do not resist Him.
 
Be Encouraged,
Mathews