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THE COST OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS
Achan stood open-mouthed with the other Israelites and watched God crush the fortified city of Jericho. He heard God say, “Keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it” (Joshua 6:18). But Achan chose to act on his desires rather than God’s directions. He thought the robe he took was too beautiful to burn. And the gold and silver he hid? Surely God wouldn’t miss a few items, right? Wrong!
Achan missed the reason for God’s command. Because his perspective was self-centered, he couldn’t see what was at stake. God was building a nation of people who understood that private actions lead to public consequences. Achan believed in the rule many live by today: “As long as no one else gets hurt or sees what I’m doing, I can do it.” But his actions led to suffering and humiliation for the nation, and death for himself and his family.
We don’t always know how our actions will affect other people, but it is a terrible mistake to assume they won’t affect others at all. How many of your plans and actions today would be changed if someone was right beside you, watching you every moment? Remember, others are always involved. God doesn’t miss anything.
PRAYER
Direct my will today, Lord . . .
READ
Achan’s story is told in Joshua 7:1 – 26; 22:20 and 1 Chronicles 2:7.
Achan stood open-mouthed with the other Israelites and watched God crush the fortified city of Jericho. He heard God say, “Keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it” (Joshua 6:18). But Achan chose to act on his desires rather than God’s directions. He thought the robe he took was too beautiful to burn. And the gold and silver he hid? Surely God wouldn’t miss a few items, right? Wrong!
Achan missed the reason for God’s command. Because his perspective was self-centered, he couldn’t see what was at stake. God was building a nation of people who understood that private actions lead to public consequences. Achan believed in the rule many live by today: “As long as no one else gets hurt or sees what I’m doing, I can do it.” But his actions led to suffering and humiliation for the nation, and death for himself and his family.
We don’t always know how our actions will affect other people, but it is a terrible mistake to assume they won’t affect others at all. How many of your plans and actions today would be changed if someone was right beside you, watching you every moment? Remember, others are always involved. God doesn’t miss anything.
PRAYER
Direct my will today, Lord . . .
READ
Achan’s story is told in Joshua 7:1 – 26; 22:20 and 1 Chronicles 2:7.
Scripture
About this Plan
This is a 21 day extract of the Once-A-Day Men & Women of the Bible Devotional with 365 daily readings unpacking the most memorable people of the Bible. Daily readings take a look at the lives of Bible characters and include Bible text, a short reading, and a thought to ponder.
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