Thursday, September 28 – Joshua 7:10-12

So the Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also violated My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things designated for destruction, and have both stolen and kept it a secret. Furthermore, they have also put them among their own things. Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become designated for destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you eliminate from your midst the things designated for destruction.

When pursuing a goal, we must live a certain way to reach that end. Athletes have to eat a certain diet to prepare for the game. Runners need the correct attire to complete a marathon to the best of their ability. Seeing an athlete in flip flops, eating fast-food while running a marathon would not make sense because those actions do not reflect the goal they set to complete the race.

The Israelites’ offense was serious to God because it did not reflect the standard He set for His people. He called them to stay faithful to Him, doing as He instructed. Keeping the items that God had designated for destruction was not only greedy, but it also spoke to the pride of the people, thinking their way was better than God’s. First John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.”

The Israelites were never going to see true success on the trajectory they were following, choosing the treasures of the world over of life with God. The same is true for us. The things that the world promises, like prosperity, riches, and power sound enticing but ultimately, when those become our primary goals, they will only lead us to destruction. Ask God to open your eyes to sinful things and habits that you are holding onto. Run to Him in repentance, because life with Him a treasure greater than we can ever gain otherwise.

• What are some sin habits you have been tempted to hold on to?
• What is the main goal of your life? How do your actions align or contradict this stated goal?
• Pray and ask God to change your heart and open your eyes to the things that do not reflect faithful life with Him.