‘And Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.”‘ (Joshua 7:25 ESV).
This verse captures the tragic climax of the story of Achan, who took some of the devoted things from Jericho—items God had declared off-limits. Though Achan sinned in secret, the result was felt across the entire nation. Israel suffered a shocking defeat at Ai, soldiers died, and fear spread throughout the camp. When the sin was finally uncovered, it wasn’t treated as a private matter; the entire community took part in the judgment. Joshua’s question—“Why did you bring trouble on us?”—underscores the reality that personal sin is never truly private. It affects others: families, churches, and even nations.
This passage challenges the modern mindset that says, “My choices are mine alone.” Achan likely thought no one would know, no one would suffer. But sin is never isolated. It spreads like a contagion, corrupting relationships, disturbing peace, and bringing trouble where there was once blessing. In a church or community, one person’s dishonesty, impurity, or rebellion can grieve the Spirit and affect the spiritual health of the whole body.
We must take sin seriously, not only for our own sake but also for the sake of those around us. And thank God that through Jesus, the judgment for our sin has been laid on Him, so that we may be restored and walk in the light. But even so, repentance and accountability are essential for personal spiritual health and for the integrity and unity of our community.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that we sometimes underestimate the seriousness of sin. Help us to remember that our choices don’t just affect us. They affect those around us and those we love. Guard our hearts from secret sin. Give us grace to live in the light, to walk in repentance, and to pursue holiness not only for our sakes but for the good of the whole body of Christ. Thank You that Jesus bore the judgment for our sin, and through Him, we are made clean. In His name, amen.