How Does My Sin Affect Other People?

In the book of Joshua, we read about a man named Achan. His actions caused turmoil among the Israelites. He was disobedient to the Lord’s command and the nation suffered because of it. That makes me ask myself, how does my sin affect other people?

But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings.” Joshua 7:10-11

Achan was the one who stole and hid some of the spoils from Jericho. No one witnessed his theft, so he thought he got away with it. I’m sure Achan didn’t realize that when he stole these items the whole community of Israel would be guilty.

Disobedience And Dishonesty

After Joshua got on his face and prayed. Our verse for today contained God’s answer. Then the Lord told Joshua how to identify the culprit. He gathered the 12 tribes of Israel together. Joshua dismissed each tribe except for the tribe of Judah. Then, all but one of its clans could leave. Out of that clan, Carmi’s family was singled out. Achan finally admitted his guilt.

Many today would take the stance that stealing shouldn’t be a crime deserving the death penalty. They would argue that the punishment was too severe. We would probably agree if that was all there was to it.Thirty-six men, however, lost their lives because of the actions of this one person. Then on top of that, his entire family suffered death along with him. Stealing was a result of the reason Achan was put to death. His sentence though was strictly because of disobedience and dishonesty. And it affected the nation and his family.

So . . . How Does My Sin Affect Others?

What we just read about is reflective of what is going to happen at the end of time. Disobedience will send people to an eternal death. Whether you or I like it or not, we influence others by what we do and say.

How are you affecting your circle of influence? If we are living in sin, they will think it is fine for them to live in sin. Let’s watch that we don’t get caught up in things like gossip, prejudice, or other hateful actions. Our children will mimic us and adults easily influenced will copy us. This is how my sin can affect other people and your sin can, too.

So live your life in Jesus openly and publically. Take your circle of influence to heaven with you. Because the only other alternative is eternity without the Lord for all who enter it without Jesus.

Lord, may your light brightly shine out through our lives. Help us to be the godly influence that we need to be to those around us.

The Book of Joshua is very interesting. This post is based on chapter 7.

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Perspectives

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