Thursday, November 22, 2012 - 3:30 pm

I read Joshua 7-9 today, and chapter 7 shows just how much what we do can affect those around us. Achan was an Israelite, his secret disobedience that he likely thought would hurt no one and would benefit him brought God's anger on the whole nation, causing the deaths of about 3 dozen soldiers, as well as Achan and his family, and the destruction of all his possessions. What did he do? He took for himself what belonged to God. He kept what was devoted to destruction. How serious was it? God said the entire nation of Israel had been made liable to destruction because of it, and that He would not be with them anymore unless they destroyed what was devoted to destruction. He said they would not be able to stand against their enemies until they removed it.
So why should I be surprised that God is serious about destroying sin in my life? Have I ever stopped to think about what the consequences of my actions might be to the community of believers? (I mean for more than a passing moment.) This applies personally, and corporately, today. We, as a church, need to root out any cancerous actions which would harm the body and remove them. It might even be necessary to remove individuals, if they persist in harming the body by keeping what is devoted to destruction. (see 1 Corinthians 5:2, 4-5, 11-13) My first and foremost duty is to root out those things in my life and remove them, so that I and perhaps others are not destroyed with them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 talks about bad company corrupting good character, which I think is a warning against the very same thing I've been reading about. Those harmful elements must be removed before they get a chance to spread. As a man who desires to be godly, I should surround myself with godliness rather than worldliness. The more I pursue God, the more I am attracted to others who are pursuing Him, and I think that's a good thing. Godliness and good character are an important quality to strive for in yourself, in friendships, in relationships, in work, in everything you do, and to look for in friends, mentors, future spouse, basically anyone you plan to do life with. I like that God has things ordered on purpose. He designs us to be around one another, He designs us to strengthen one another, and He designs us to desire those connections. It all works hand in hand.