Disobedience invites defeat

I love the book of Joshua in the Bible. It is a wonderful treasure in developing leadership skills. There is a powerful principle of life tucked away in chapter 7. The Israelites get their tail whipped in a place called Ai. And like most of us would do, the people over reacted with panic and fear, wondering where God was and why they experienced such disappointing defeat (as if they expected to never be disappointed just because they were God's children!).

God's response to Joshua's pity party is critical to understanding the relationship between disobedience and defeat. God told Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?" He goes on to state that the reason for their defeat in Ai is because Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, had disobeyed God's direct order to not take any of the forbidden items in their victory over Jericho earlier. Because of his greed and dishonesty, the nation suffered defeat.

The lesson here is rich and deep. First, our disobedience to God affects more than our own life. We have families and other people who are within our sphere of influence who suffer the consequences of our selfishness and greed. Second, our response to defeat should not assume that God is absent or somehow to blame. Joshua and the people assumed that because they were defeated in Ai that God had abandoned them. This is also a form of self-centered thinking. We are to approach God following defeat with an attitude of humility, seeking to understand what God is wanting to teach us.

Finally, God will not be mocked. His truth and righteousness will prevail. Achan had to suffer the ultimate consequence by being stoned and burned (along with his entire household!). The lesson for us is to cleanse from our lives all the things that stand in opposition to God's commands. If we do not we must face the consequences and miss the joy of tremendous blessing. If we obey God and remove that which displeases Him, we invite His power and favor on our lives - and the lives of those around us.

So, are you willing to let go of those things keeping you from obeying God? Make the wise choice and invite His favor on your life today.

Choosing His blessings,

jonathan