Zero Tolerance Policy

Today I've been reflecting on the story of Achan that is briefly mentioned in this week's chapter from "The Story." It's a sobering tale of the serious nature of sin. I encourage you to take time to read it for yourself in Joshua 7.

In a nutshell, the nation of Israel suffered an unnecessary defeat when they went to battle with the neighboring town of Ai. It should have been an easy and painless victory but it turned out that 36 soldiers were killed when the casualty rate should have been nothing or at best a few.

When Joshua and the leaders of Israel inquired of the Lord what had happened it was revealed that there was "sin in the camp." To summarize the rest of the story, the sin was eliminated - swiftly and thoroughly.

The applications are numerous for us today. I would not dare to submit that all our failures, hardships or difficulties are a result of sin in our lives. But I would say that many times we should begin by asking our Heavenly Father to show us anything that is causing a rift in our relationship with Him.

Part of what the Holy Spirit does in our lives is to convict us of sin. And I, for one, am grateful for that conviction. There is a huge difference between condemnation and conviction. Our enemy, the devil, loves to condemn us and cause us to self-loathe. But when the Spirit brings conviction it is to invite us back into a healthy relationship with Him.

I'd encourage you right now to pause and ask the Lord if there is anything He'd like to show you as it relates to sin in your life. It's a practice we should all embrace daily. Go ahead. I'll wait.

Once you're aware of the sin you admit your guilt. You agree with God that you've blown it. Then you apologize for it and be sure to ask for forgiveness from Him and others you've hurt. Then you invite Him to fill you with His love and make you aware of His grace in mercy in your time of need.

These are not components to a magic formula but rather relational principles that will help us remain close to the One who invites us to be holy as He is holy.