Today's Passage - Joshua 7:22-25

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Joshua 7:22-25    So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before the LORD. Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. Joshua said, "Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today." Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.       The crime Achan committed was a crime that compromised others. In other words, when we commit a crime, people around us are affected as will. When we commit a crime, we often think: "The buck stops here." It sound heroic, but the fact is that when one does something, the buck usually doesn't stop with him, and it will affect others around. Many children who grew up in broken families suffered through great pains from their parents' separation. That's why when there are troubles in a marriage, both spouses need to think it over before considering divorce. It's not only because of principles in the Bible, but also because the consequence of a divorce is more than you could imagine.    The same can be said of verbal offense. Many don't pay attention to what they say. They euphemistically call it "Speaking the truth with love". But in fact, they hurt untold number of people. Even a "sorry" cannot heal the wounds. Others may turn to God because of the words you said. They could also turn away from God because of the words you said. When Achan was lusting over that beautiful robe and gold, how could he have thought that his action would compromise others? He only thought: "This is a beautiful rob. Wouldn't it be nice if I can keep it? If it were found, I only got one life to lose." He never anticipated that not only did he lost his life, all Israelites were compromised in the defeat of battle at Ai. Thirty six people died because of him. Had he known the consequence of his transgression was so severe, he would have probably thought it over more.    Brothers and sisters, no one can live alone. Human beings are social animals and we are certain to affect each other. The question is whether we will bring good influence to others, or bad influence? Bible says: "Punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." Do you want to be a person who gives blessings, or one who compromises others?   Pray with Pastor Tong       Lord, we thank you because you are a trustworthy God. You said that if we repent our sins, you will surely forgive us.  May you forgive all sins that we have confessed to you, and let us be those who blessing others.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!