Holding On to Sin Hurts Your Family

Sin can be so tempting and alluring that we often embrace it and hide it from others in our lives—including our family. These “secret” sins, though we think they are hidden, will always be revealed; and there is always a cost . . . a consequence associated with them. And sadly, many times it's the people that we love the most who pay the highest cost for our secret sins. 

In the following passage of the Bible, we will read about Achan’s secret and how it affected him, his family, and potentially the entire Nation of Israel.

Joshua 7:13: “O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you have taken the accursed thing from among you.”

The nation of Israel was given a direct command from God not to take any of the riches from their conquests; However, because of Achan’s covetous heart, he disobeyed God’s command and brought accursed items into the camp of Israel. Look at what Achan’s sin cost him, his family and the Nation of Israel . . .

• Joshua 7:5: The men of Ai, who were few, defeated Israel in a battle killing 36 Israelites.
• Joshua 7:25: Achan and his family were stoned and all of their possessions were burned.
• Joshua 7:9–12: If Joshua hadn't removed the accursed items from Achan’s tent, then the entire Nation of Israel would have fallen to the Canaanites.
• Joshua 7:13: God commands Israel to sanctify itself and remove the accursed items from the camp. Due to this act of obedience, the nation of Israel was spared.

As Christians, our sin has been forgiven at the cross of Jesus Christ. All that is required of us is to repent of our sin and leave it at the altar.

Imagine if Achan had confessed some of the temptations he had with somebody else before going ahead and acting on his fleshly desire. Think of all that could have been avoided if only he had accountability. Don’t allow sin to hurt you or the ones that you love. Confess it now, repent and keep each other accountable.

DIG: We are called as Christians to invite others to help us stay free from sin (Matthew 7:1–3). After reading this verse, identify what is your “speck” and who would you entrust to remove it?

DISCOVER: Has there been a time when a hidden sin or a “white lie” really cost you a lot once discovered? What would you have done differently?

DO: Seek the Lord and ask Him for forgiveness, and He will be faithful. Next, pray about who God has brought into your life to be accountable to. If you have an accountability partner already, have you been transparent with them? If there are any hidden idles or sinful behaviors in your life, don’t hesitate to share them.

As a family, what are some sins within your family that you need to confess to each other and commit to changing (for example, yelling during a disagreement)? Take a moment as a family,  Draw (on your own piece of paper) a cross, and write down those sins that you need to confess and repent. Pray and ask God for forgiveness and to fill you with his spirit and to help you to change. Afterward, rip up the piece of paper and throw it away committing to God to change. If you have a family fire pit, throw it in the fire.