"I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.
Joshua 7:12 ESV
Once again, we see the Israelite nation suffering defeat as a result of their disobedience. God had made clear to them His expectations and there were some who thought they knew better. Defeat was the result.
I had to do a little research about the phrase "devoted things". Devoted things are those practices in our lives or even physical items that God has made clear his intention.
"The Hebrew verb charam (חרם
and its cognate noun
חֵרֶם,
cherem, pronounced with a guttural ch, as in loch) is
a technical term in Hebrew. That is, it has a very narrow and
specialized meaning, and does not easily translate into English. It has
usually been translated as something like "put under the ban" or "devote
to destruction." In some places it can simply mean "exterminate," and
rarely has the much milder meaning of "ostracize" or 'excommunicate.'" Reference
When we are under conviction from God about sin in our lives, He does not want a partial or lukewarm reaction to His position. Our response to sin in our life needs to be total, complete annihilation and destruction.
That doesn't mean viewing R-rated web sites rather than X-rated ones. Declaring more income than last year but still not all won't get it. Allowing an emotional affair at work, but not "going all the way" is not destruction of the sin of lust.
If we accomocate 1% of a sin, we are being 100% disobedient and open the door to "defeat as a result of (our) disobedience". God demands complete destruction of those "devoted things" in our lives.
Does this mean we must live a sin-free live to be in relationship with our Heavenly Father? No. During our time on earth, we will continue to sin. But it is our attitude that is the true barometer of our spiritual health. Is there a desire to destroy sin in our lives? Do we confess our sin and renew our spirit?
Destruction means no compromise. No bargaining with God for just a little bit of the forbidden. While all "sin" is forbidden, for each of us there are certain strongholds which God makes a special focus for us individually.
If God says "destroy", we had better get out the wrecking ball and get busy.
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