Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. (Josh. 7:11)
The director of counseling at a nonprofit for veterans confessed to lying about his military record and falsely claiming a Silver Star and other medals. He claimed to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after surviving multiple combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Central America, and South America. But the army had no record of the man serving in any of these countries. After being questioned by a reporter, the man confessed to fabricating the stories to enhance his credibility as an advocate for wounded warriors. Because of the revelations, he had to resign his position.
Joshua eventually found out who had stolen the sacred items and disciplined the man severely. God had to make the point that unconditional, unqualified obedience to Him was the only thing that would keep His people thriving in the Promised Land. Part of that obedience is telling the truth. The director of the veterans’ agency found himself telling lies to cover up his previous lies, only to be discovered and humiliated.
Let us commit ourselves to telling the truth, no matter what the cost. This also means telling the truth to ourselves. If someone who knows and cares about us confronts us about something to which we may be blind, let’s stop and take that person seriously. Let’s not put ourselves in any kind of position that may drag others down simply because we’re too stubborn to look at ourselves.
Identify your spiritual blind spots and then find someone you trust to hold you accountable to seeing clearly.
Doug Schmidt is a freelance writer and editor; he is also the small-groups director at his church.
