An Aching Heart Can Lead To An Achan Heart -Part 1
- 21stcglmediateam
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
"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 7:11 (NLT)
All of us need to fix our aching hearts so that they do not lead us to develop the heart of Achan. In Joshua Chapter 7 from the Bible, God instructed the children of Israel to take the city of AI. Unbeknownst to the leader Joshua and the rest of the tribe of Israel, God was not with them on their first attempt to take this city. Their failure was due to Achan, one of the Israelite soldiers, who had taken items from Jericho (the battle prior) when everyone was strictly told not to take the devoted things. Due to his disobedience, the Israelites were not able to take the city, and thirty-six of them lost their lives.
For this post, we will focus on what led to Achan being disobedient to God’s instructions by deciding to take the devoted items. More than likely, Achan was not a devoted/obedient follower of God one day, and then the next day decided to be disobedient. Achan, just like many of us, can allow a negative seed to be planted in our minds and our hearts, then allow it to fester and grow. In Achan’s case, he had a longing and a desire for these items and wanted them for himself. We can read this story and shake our heads at Achan but, in doing so, we need to also take a look at our behavior and what has captured our attention that can lead us to being disobedient.
Even in our current time, some people lust after and desire items that do not belong to them or envy another’s position, money, or power. And it is not only objects people desire; they also want other people who are in committed relationships with another. Some seek to entice a person away from their marriage partner and then find themselves in an adulterous affair. And once that illicit relationship is discovered, it could then end up destroying the marriage and extended family.
Lying, stealing, and coveting, will always lead to defying God and His Holy Word. And as stated, this disobedient behavior does not start overnight. It grows if we do not guard against it. One must guard their heart, their mind, and their decisions at all times. We have to constantly be on guard to not allow things and other people to be substitutes for what is really going on inside of us. We need to be honest with ourselves and come to God through prayer, Bible study, and if necessary, counseling, so that we are not seeking to engage in illicit activities and behavior that will lead down a dark path.
As we go forward in life, may we look to keep our mind and heart guarded against the illicit enticements of this world. May we seek God's light of love, honesty, and integrity, and base any of our decisions/actions on His precepts. If we do this, we will not allow our aching/troubled hearts, to become like Achan’s.
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: 21stcglmediateam@gmail.com
