Consequences

Can my disobedience hurt others?

God’s Response

Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the LORD. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the LORD was very angry with the Israelites. . . . Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The LORD will now bring trouble on you.” Joshua 7:1, 25

Sin always hurts others besides yourself. Achan sinned, and as a result many men died in Israel’s next battle. Joshua questioned God, God threatened to withdraw his presence from the people, and Achan and his entire family were killed. While this story is an extreme example, the point is that your sin always affects those around you. Beware of the temptation to rationalize your sins by saying that they are too small or too personal to hurt anyone but yourself. As a small pebble thrown into a pond causes wide rings of reaction, your sin can cause a wide ring of suffering.

This Is Promising

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Ephesians 5:6