24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.”
Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.
Achan did not take God’s commands seriously. The effects of Achan’s sin were felt by the entire nation, especially his family. Like Achan, our actions affect, not just ourselves, but those around us. Achan rationalized his sin. Taking a robe and some silver and gold may have seemed small to him, but the effects were devastating. Do you rationalize sin? Do you take time to think about how your actions may affect those around you? Are you self centered? Guard yourself against the temptation to rationalize sin. Even what you may think is a small sin or what you may think you are doing for yourself because it makes you feel good may cause repercussions to those around you. Take time to talk with God about your thinking and your actions and work through doing the right thing with God by your side.