Joshua 7:22—23, “So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD.”
Radio personality Dennis Prager has suggested that “The abandonment of the question ‘What is the price?’ has led to terrible consequences in every area of life.” That is an accurate statement. He continues, “Few Americans ask, ‘What is the price?’ for delaying marriage or for not marrying at all, or for not having children, or for participating in the ‘hookup’ culture, just to cite a few examples of self-destructive decisions tens of millions of Americans have made.”
This perspective is relevant to today’s passage concerning Achan’s failure to consider the price of his actions. Instead of taking the long-view, “What will this decision cost?” Achan took the short-sighted view of immediate gratification. Never forget that sin is fun; for a little while (Heb. 11:23-25; c.f. Pro. 9:17-18). Immediate gratification is a poor trade for the eternal consequences that follow.
Achan had kept that which belonged to God. That is never a good idea. Whether or not you obey God reveals whether or not you value Him. We obey what we value. The way to overcome and/or prevent short-sighted decisions is by living today in view of eternity. Today’s decisions carry current, future, and even eternal consequences. Ask yourself “What will this decision cost?” Be sure to do your accounting according to God’s Word.
